A MAJOR development of homes, care units, holiday units and a health centre on the edge of Thorpe has been refused.

The scheme for Lifehouse Spa and Hotel in Frinton Road also included business units and a public car park.

Thorpe Parish Council opposed the proposal on a number of grounds and Tendring Council received 380 letters of objection, including a petition.

Part of the 21-hectare site lies within the village’s conservation area, as well as containing grade-two landscape relating to the historic gardens of Thorpe Hall.

The application involved up to 200 residential properties, up to 92 independent care units and 50 luxury holidays units.

Part of the access would be from an existing drive to the hotel and a second access created from Station Road.

Tendring Council planners said the development would harm the character of the conservation area and historic parkland.

A council spokesman said: “The proposed development would irrevocably change the historic character of the locality.”