DESIGNS for the first 96 homes in a controversial new estate between Mistley and Lawford have been approved with a list of conditions.

Tendring Council’s planning committee has approved the plans for land between Clacton Road, in Mistley, and Long Road, in Lawford.

The first phase of homes comes after Tendring Farms was given permission for 300 homes on the site.

Since then another application has been put forward to increase the number to 500 on the site.

It followed a bid to cut back the open space and move access for the employment land, which was rejected by the council last year.

A list of 11 conditions have been placed on the 96 homes, which will be made up of three storey apartments, semi-detached, detached and bungalow properties from two to five bedrooms.

The decision report said: “Prior to commencement of development, details of the estate roads, parking courts and footways shall be submitted to and approved in writing by the local planning authority.

“No development shall take place until a scheme of hard and soft landscaping works for the site, to include The Green, The Village Square, all areas of open space, all play areas, and all woodland, has been submitted and approved.”

Other conditions include landscaping, protecting trees, and lighting restrictions and a ground floor commercial unit in the apartment.

Mistley Parish Council and residents had objected to the designs.