A DEVELOPER has unveiled its plans for 101 homes on Mersea Island after its bid for double the amount was thrown out.

City and Country originally proposed building up to 201 homes on land at Brierley Paddocks in West Mersea.

The outline application, which also included commercial buildings and open space, was rejected by Colchester Council last week.

But before the bid had been rejected, the firm had already submitted a new application for fewer homes.

The site is allocated in the council's local plan - but only for 100 homes.

The developer has said a piece of land could be sold and used to build a doctor’s surgery, however the proposed use will not be confirmed until a later detailed application is made.

It says discussions have taken place between itself, Strutt & Parker and West Mersea Surgery, which serves the island.

The surgery is at capacity and City & Country says including the land "is the first step to the surgery relocating or

additional provision being accommodated."

Under the earlier application residents were left dismayed after a document suggested people moving into the homes could instead travel to Tollesbury or Brightlingsea.

But in its new application City & Country said: "These practices have been discounted from this assessment.

"It was considered that it would be unlikely that residents would register with a practice not located on the island, especially where residents are considered vulnerable or disadvantaged such as persons who have limited mobility, long term health conditions, or are house bound.

"Travel costs may also be an issue for low income households."

The original bid proved controversial in the community amid fears Mersea’s infrastructure would struggle to cope.

City & Country has said it intends to appeal the decision on the 201 homes.