A PLANNING inspector has upheld a decision to refuse planning permission for five new homes in Clacton.

endring Council turned down the application for land around West Country House in Cherry Tree Avenue last year.

Ramesh Shah wanted to build five new dwellings on the site. But Government inspector Nick Palmer rejected his appeal.

He said the main issue was the impact the development would have on the character and appearance of the area.

Mr Palmer also said the proposal would be at odds with the open quality of the existing landscape and its important role in separating settlements.

“It would unacceptably harm the character and appearance of the area,” he said.

“I give significant weight to this harm because of the location of the site within the open landscape and the strategic value of the green gap.

“That harm significantly and demonstrably outweighs the limited weight I give to the benefit identified.”

Three previous appeals concerning plans for residential development of the site have also been dismissed.

Tendring Council said the only difference in the latest application is that there was a lower number of homes and a lower density of development.