OWNERS of a field have submitted new plans after their bid for a 71-home development was rejected.

The corner plot on Church Hill and Mayes Lane in Ramsey was once home to the Harwich Horse Rangers.

In June 2015 plans were lodged to build a new housing estate on the land with an area set aside for a village green and pond.

The application was turned down by Tendring Council as it was considered “harmful to the open character of the countryside” and to views from the Grade I listed St Michael’s church opposite.

A planning appeal was also refused.

New plans for the site have now been submitted – for just three homes with a driveway.

The rest of the 3.2-hectare plot, roughly the size of three rugby fields, will be left empty.

However, concerns have been raised any development on the land would ruin the open views.

Tanya Ferguson, Tendring councillor for Ramsey, said: “They were told by the planning inspector there is no way there would be any development there. My concerns would be about setting a precedent and getting more planning applications for the site and the whole reasons for getting the original application turned down in the first place would be void.”

A report by the developer’s agent said: “This scheme has carefully considered the inspector’s concerns, particularly the views from the south west and the access to the school.

“The development will have no impact on views of the church, while the relationship of the development to the churchyard will not affect the rural setting of the listed building.”

Ramsey and Parkeston Parish Council will discuss the plans on Thursday at Ramsey War Memorial Hall at 7.15pm.