A MAJOR scheme for almost 100 homes in Thorpe is being backed by planning chiefs.

The scheme at Landermere Road was also supported by Thorpe Parish Council, despite opposition from some villagers.

However, the move has led to criticism of its council chairman and district councillor Dan Land, with some villagers expecting him to oppose all developments in the village.

Tendring Council’s planning committee next Wednesday will determine the outline application from Rob Scott for 98 homes, plus associated open space.

The 5.6ha application site lies outside the defined settlement boundary of Thorpe, but is close to the village centre.

A council report also said “there is very high demand for affordable housing with 9 households on the housing register who have Thorpe as their preferred area for rehousing.”

The Housing Team has agreed that if the scheme is approved, the applicant “will gift seven of the properties consisting of four one-bed, two-two bed and one three-bed dwellings.”

There will also be contributions of £845,868 towards education provision and £29,620 towards healthcare.

The report added the Section 106 contributions coupled with other planning conditions more than offset any harm arising from the development, so Tendring Council planning staff recommend the 98 homes be approved.

In a debate with villagers on social media this week, Coun Land was quizzed as to why he backed the scheme when it was discussed by Thorpe Parish Council.

“In relation to material planning considerations the Landermere scheme has not been pulled up by any of the primary consultees,” he posted.

This included schools, Essex Highways and Natural England and you “also also add the fact that it is earmarked for the local plan,” Mr Land further explained, pledging to work on solving traffic issues that may result from the development.

The Conservative councillor later told the Gazette: “Never has Thorpe seen such large development proposals all arrive in such a short time frame. Landermere Road is one of three major developments currently in the pipeline for the village.”

The other two developments are at Lifehouse Spa, which is currently the subject of public consultation before a planning application is actually made, and a 49-home scheme at Frinton Road. This was recently refused by Planning Committee but Mr Land expects will go to appeal.

“I do my best at keeping people informed of what is happening within the village for them to put forward their views in good time. What is clear from other sites locally that have been approved on appeal is that planning considerations are ignored for the benefit of 'perceived' sustainable development.

“Thorpe has a number of fights on its hands, the historic park lands of Thorpe Hall could be decimated in return for 350 mixed units and the pressures such a huge development will have on the village,” he added.