CALLS have been made for a public inquiry into a huge 485 home development on the edge of two villages to be held closer to residents.

The inquiry into the outline development on land off Long Road in Lawford and Clacton Road in Mistley is set to be held on August 6 at Tendring Council’s offices in Weeley.

But making residents affected by the new estate travel 18 miles to attend has been branded as unfair.

Richard Browning-Smith, of Maltings Wharf, Manningtree has called for the meeting to be held in Lawford.

He said: “I, along with the rest of the residents of Manningtree, Mistley and Lawford, require the public inquiry into the appeal to be held at the Venture Centre in Lawford. This is much more convenient for the local residents whom it potentially affects.

“Tendring Council should do as we wish, not be dogmatic and just state no it is to be held at Weeley a long way from Manningtree.

“Why should I and many others, especially those who are elderly and infirm, travel a long distance to fight such a large proposal of 485 new dwellings.”

Mistley Parish Council is calling for residents to attend the 10am meeting.

A spokesman said: “The parish council has found that it has a much more positive impact on those with any strong views on any application if as many local people as possible attend the public inquiry and sit in the public gallery and this then demonstrates to the local planning authority, i.e. Tendring Council’s planning development committee, how strong the local community feel about such a proposal.”

The plans for up to 485 homes and up to two hectares of employment space for a variety of uses including cafes and offices was rejected by Tendring Council in November 2018.

The planning committee turned down the application saying 485 homes would be too many for an edge of settlement development.

But Tendring Farms Ltd lodged an appeal against the decision.

A Tendring Council spokesman said Weeley was a very suitable venue for appeal hearings.

He said: “We use our Weeley offices as much as possible.

“It is zero cost to the council, centrally located in Tendring, has a lot of car parking, all of the appropriate rooms and equipment, and it is easy for us to manage availability.

“Similarly, when we close our Weeley offices, scheduled for next year, we will use Clacton Town Hall as the primary appeal hearing venue for the same reasons.

“Venues must meet strict criteria set by the Planning Inspectorate, including a large meeting room, lockable side rooms, audio systems and copying facilities, as well as accessibility and availability.

“The latter is particularly important as if an appeal is to last for four days, for example, that would then require all other clubs and meetings booked into a venue to be moved or cancelled.

“That is why it is very rare for us to use another venue for a planning appeal hearing or inquiry.”