A third planning application in Hatfield Peverel has been called in for determination by a Government minister.

The application for land north east of Gleneagles Way, for up to 120 homes, will now be determined by Sajid Javid, Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, instead of Braintree Council.

This is in addition to applications for land south of Stone Path Drive, including one for up to 140 homes and one for up to 80.

The 80-home plan was rejected by a council committee.

The applicant appealed against this decision, but the appeal was dismissed by the Planning Inspectorate.

The applicant, however, successfully challenged the decision in the High Court and the decision was quashed.

This application then went back to the planning inspectorate to re-determine and will be considered alongside the other two applications above at a public inquiry.

Resident Kevin Dale said: “We heard the phrase coalition of chaos used on the national stage, well this is what has been going on with planning for our village.

“We have had planning rejections and approvals on the same site at the same time.

“Residents are delighted that the Secretary of State has stepped in.”

Decisions on the three applications are pending.