DEVASTATED residents have lost their bitter battle against a huge housing development in Kirby Cross.

Plans to build 240 houses on farmland to the east of Halstead Road have been given the green light by a Government inspector after a full inquiry.

The housing blueprint was first launched last year.

But it was rejected by town and district councillors who feared it would ruin the character of the village and create traffic and infrastructure nightmares.

Developers appealed against the decision and it went to a full inquiry earlier this year.

Residents and councillors have representations and made a strong case for rejection.

But they have now been left stunned after being informed that the Government inspector has approved the scheme and given planning permission.

Kirby Residents Association chairman Ray Enever said: “It’s crazy that they could have such a complete disregard for the people here.

“With most planning applications you see opinions divided to an extent.

“But with this one, everyone united against it. Everyone could see it will cause major problems.

“We have had to have the police out again this week over parking and traffic problems in Halstead Road. What is it going to be like with so many new homes added?

“We are really bitterly disappointed.”

Mr Enever said residents did everything they could to fight the scheme.

“We made a lot of representations at the inquiry and I think we made a strong case,” he said.

“Everyone came out and the inspector was very fair in letting us have our say.

“To see this decision come out is just awful. The decision has been made by the inspector now we are the ones who have to live with it.”

The planning approval also includes a community hub building and either a 40-bed care home or a healthcare facility.

There will be access points into the new estate from Halstead Road, Woburn Avenue and Buckfast Avenue.

In his report, the Government inspector said he did not feel the development would compromise the green gap between Kirby-le-Soken and Kirby Cross and felt the area had capacity to help with the current housing shortfall.