COLCHESTER Council has hit back at a planning inspector’s claims the authority cannot demonstrate a five-year housing supply.

The comments were made by John Woodcock in his report rejecting Gladman’s proposals for 97 homes in West Bergholt.

Council bosses have challenged the claim in a letter to Planning Inspectorate chief executive Sarah Richards, claiming the comments lacked detailed reasoning.

Mike Lilley, councillor responsible for communities, , said: “I am delighted the inspector dismissed Gladman’s speculative development on the grounds it would adversely affect the character and appearance of the area and conflict with the council’s planning policies.

“I am, however, hugely disappointed with the inspector’s opinion we do not have a five-year supply of deliverable housing land.

“We will continue to defend our position there is a five-year supply of land, and I want to make it abundantly clear to everyone that speculative developments will not be tolerated in our borough.”