GREEN councillors are up in arms after 350 homes were approved, despite hundreds of objections.

At a recent planning appeal, developers at Gladman were given permission to build the homes off Western Road in Silver End.

Gladman submitted revised plans for the homes after the original was turned down.

There were 130 letters of objection, including a petition with 485 signatures from the public.

Braintree's planning committee refused the application in April and alternative plans were suggested following an appeal made my Gladman in May.

James Abbott, Green district and county councillor, said residents are left feeling powerless.

He said: "We were told specifically in this district that villages would not have housing estates bolted on to them with inadequate services, yet that is exactly what we are now seeing.

"Many local communities have taken an active part in the Local Plan process over several years and yet they are seeing their wishes trampled on.

"The unallocated sites being granted will result in loss of countryside, harm to wildlife, more traffic on rural roads and more stress on local services, especially GPs.

"Greenfield sites are being pushed through by developers that local communities have passionately opposed but brownfield sites such as the old factory site in Silver End stand idle."

Braintree Council had supported an appeal application by residents.

A council spokesman said: "Through Counsel the Council defended its decision to refuse the application at the Public Inquiry last month and is disappointed by the outcome of the appeal to allow up to 350 residential dwellings at Silver End.”

The inquiry was held on March 22.

The inspector said: "I have concluded that the proposal would result in moderate harm to landscape character and that there would be some significant adverse visual impacts.

"However, the visual impacts would be localised and mitigation could be achieved as part of the detailed design of the scheme.

"Turning to the benefits, I attach substantial weight to the social and economic benefits of the delivery of housing, including affordable housing."

The plans were approved with 21 conditions, including details of access and appearance, and restrictions on the size of buildings.