PLANS to build 23 new homes on the site of a former oil depot have been thrown out.

Braintree Council's planning committee unanimously rejected Marfleet Developments's application to build on land off Hedingham Road, Gosfield, during a meeting on Tuesday.

Marfleet had previously had separate applications to build 40 homes and eight homes on the same site rejected but argued it had listened to previous concerns raised by the council.

But councillors were unconvinced by the latest application, with David Mann saying there had not been enough material changes for the committee to grant planning permission.

Planning officers also argued the proposed site was "disconnected" from the village of Gosfield and would "fail to integrate" into the countryside setting.

Marfleet has a six-month period in which it can appeal the decision if it chooses to do so.