ANOTHER 50 homes will be built in a village, even though more than 70 people opposed a planning bid.

At a Braintree Council planning meeting on Tuesday, councillors voted to approve an application to develop lane east of Monks Road in Earls Colne.

Three councillors voted against the plans, which were recommended for approval by planning officers.

The new development will have road access from Monks Road and include 20 affordable homes.

Ian Sparks, of Morleys Road, speaking on behalf of opposing residents, told the meeting: “This development was previously recommended by the planning officer to form part of the Local Plan. That recommendation was rejected by full council in June.

“More comments were posted against this development than any other recommended site in the Braintree district.

“Residents have registered objections with the council, with only four in support – the land owner, his daughter, and sons-in-laws.

“No-one in Earls Colne wants the development, except those who will gain financially.”

NHS England submitted a letter saying it would not be seeking any contributions towards health services.

Earls Colne Parish Council also objected to the application.

Information submitted by the applicant and discussions between Braintree Council and Essex Highways indicated the increase in traffic from the additional homes would be small.

Speaking in favour of the development was Matthew Moore, of Station Road. He said: “I have lived in Earls Colne all my life. I have two children attending the village hall and have recently bought my house.

“I cannot understand why there are so many objections to a much needed housing scheme, which is located on private land near the High Street and which offers no benefit to the village as a whole.

“The proposed development has clearly been sympathetically designed. I believe this village is in need of more family homes such as these.

“If we want our village to grow and prosper we must consider developments like this one.”

As part of its recommendation, council development manager Tessa Lambert said the site was a “logical” extension to Earls Colne and would have the least impact on the wider landscape character.