VILLAGERS are claiming victory after controversial plans to build more than 140 homes in the grounds of one of the county’s most important buildings were rejected following a bitter four-year battle.

St Osyth Priory owners the Sargeant family launched a series of appeals in an effort to overturn Tendring Council’s decision to turn down proposals for 142 homes and flats on the historic estate.

But a Government planning inspector has ruled in favour of the council.

Read the full story in the Clacton Gazette, out now.