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Kirby Cross: Gardens saved
A BID to build bungalows in three Kirby Cross gardens has been snubbed.
Residents and councillors criticised developers for turning villages into towns through "backland" development.
Lamaid Homes wanted to replace two homes and parts of three gardens in Holland Road with five bungalows and a two-storey house.
Tendring Council's planning officers recommended the plan for approval because back gardens are classed as brownfield sites - the same as former industrial areas.
Kirby resident Ray Enever appealed to the authority's development control committee to refuse the application.
He said: "This is an example of back garden development of the worst kind.
"These should remain green fields.
"Many MPs are standing up against these policies. If you claim to represent the people of your area, stand up and be counted."
Hamford councillor Iris Johnson added: "I object most strongly to gardens being concreted over and perfectly good family homes being knocked down just so a developer can make a living.
"We are going to lose all the gardens and all the amenity space.
"Kirby Cross is becoming a town rather than a village."
Members were also concerned the development would put too much pressure on Holland Road.
The road - the main route from Clacton to Frinton - floods regularly and a recently installed bus stop would have to be moved.
Adam Jackson, speaking on behalf of the applicant Lamaid Homes, said: "We would encourage the committee to take on board the factual evidence in the report."
Officers say the blueprint would not adversely affect residential amenity, the design is not out of character and the development is not detrimental
to highway safety.
The committee refused the application by a huge majority.
2:41pm Friday 16th May 2008
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