Yet another victory for money and self-interest over reasoned argument and the wellbeing of local residents.

The speculative application for 265 houses (which will merge Bocking and High Garrett, removing the vital “green gap”) was rejected by Braintree District Council’s planning committee for many valid, considered reasons, including the already-broken infrastructure.

Despite this, an opportunistic “land promoter” with huge financial resources has been able to work the planning system to achieve their goal. That is, of course, to make even more money.

Hundreds of local residents put thousands of hours into fighting this David v Goliath battle over several years, but got no help at all from their MP, James Cleverly.

What a contrast to the support that Priti Patel gave her constituents in similar circumstances.

One has to ask why Mr Cleverly refused to get involved in such a major issue for his constituents.

This travesty will further diminish the quality of life in Braintree for thousands of people, while putting vast amounts of money into the pockets of some already very wealthy local landowners.

Where is the justice?

M Stoker

High Garrett