PLANNERS are backing more than 200 homes on the edge of Frinton, despite local opposition.

The Turpins Farm scheme will again come before Tendring Council’s planning committee when it meets on Tuesday.

A 250 home project came before councillors in July, who told the developers to produce something smaller.

The Burghes Estate has submitted revised plans, featuring tree-line boulevards, for the 12ha parcel of agricultural land on the north-western edge of the Frinton, Walton, Kirby Cross built-up area.

Sited off Elm Tree Avenue, the scheme, with open space and play areas, would also bring this urban area closer to the neighbouring village of Kirby-Le-Soken.

A report by Cath Bicknell, Tendring Council’s Head of Planning, accepts there is opposition from residents and local councils who lament the loss of open space, particularly as the site overlooks Hamford Water and would reduce the green gap between Kirby-Le-Soken and Frinton/Walton.

Opposition also cites the impacts of extra people on local schools, hospitals, GP services and roads.

But the report said Tendring Council cannot demonstrate a five year housing supply, so it must follow government guidelines imposing a ‘presumption in favour of sustainable development.’ Despite the site being outside the settlement boundaries of the adopted Local Plan, technical and other issues raised by consultees and residents must be ‘positively addressed,’ it also said.

Thus, approval is recommended subjected to conditions including Section 106 payments of around £1.8 million for schools and childcare provision, plus £63,370 towards the NHS.

Tendring Council policies for 30 per cent ‘affordable housing’ also means the council seeks either “up to 63 dwellings at discounted price, or 18 gifted dwellings,” through a Section 106 agreement.