A DEVELOPER which has been fighting for years to win permission to build a controversial housing development on an historic field has had its latest appeal thrown out.

Gladman Developments first applied for planning permission to build 110 homes on Lawford Tye Field, off Grange Road, back in November 2017.

More than 280 residents penned objections to Tendring Council, voicing their opposition to the controversial plans.

The council then refused the application.

In January 2019, the developer lodged a second application for planning permission, also for 110 homes, to Tendring Council.

This time, more than 300 people objected to the plans and the council refused the application again.

That July, Gladman Developments appealed against the council’s decision and a public inquiry was held.

An inspector heard Gladman’s case and the views of the council - as well as those of campaign group Lawford Tye Action Group (LTAG).

More than 60 people attended the hearing and made their objections clear.

By October, the planning inspector dismissed the developer’s appeal.

However, a LTAG spokesman said the group recently discovered Gladman Developments tried to overturn the inspector’s decision.

The developer made a bid to overturn the inquiry’s ruling in February.

But on February 25, High Court judge Timothy Mould QC, held a hearing and concluded Gladman Developments did not have a case.

He refused permission for the case to be heard at the High Court.

John Hall, of LTAG, who lives in Lawford, said: “So, Lawford Tye Field has been saved yet again, and this chapter is finally closed.

“However, we know that Gladman can be very persistent.

“Therefore, we must remain vigilant on the possibility of new planning applications.

“Many local people have been enjoying walking and running through this beautiful piece of countryside during lockdown.

“This serves to highlight the great benefits of this area to the local community.”

LTAG will inform residents of any updates via its social media sites, or people can email nograngeroaddev@gmail.com.

Gladman Developments has been approached for a comment.