DISMAYED campaigners are hoping to stop a scheme for 67 homes on greenfield land in Mistley before an application is even submitted.

Mistley Conservation Group is protesting against a developer’s plan to build the houses on land off New Road.

Hollins Strategic Land is inviting comments from the public on the scheme, which it says will provide “high quality, conservation and design led sustainable development.”

A statement said a consultation leaflet had been issued to up to 300 households by the end of November.

But the protest group insisted developers were “hell bent” on destroying one of the village’s most beautiful green spaces.

Deborah Burrows, of Mistley Conservation Group, said: “The group feels strongly that this is another attempt to wantonly destroy one of Mistley’s most treasured and historic spaces.

“Countless generations of residents of Mistley, and its nearby towns and villages, have enjoyed walks along the tranquil and unspoilt Green Lane.

“This treasured space is now the latest precious space targeted by developers.

“The developers claim to have delivered 300 leaflets to nearby residents informing them about their plans to build 67 houses in Mistley; a claim we dispute, given that almost no-one nearby has to date received any communication, despite the deadline for objections stated as December 7.

“The group wishes to reassure residents it will fight this latest threat to Mistley with unsurpassed zeal.”

In February, Mistley Conservation Group rallied against plans to build 78 homes and a community park at Mistley Place Park. After the application received 131 objections and a 786-name petition, the developer walked away from the scheme.

Now the group is hoping residents will put forward their objections once again.

A statement from Hollins Strategic Land said: “The scheme is evolving with expert advice from conservation, landscape and planning consultants familiar with the area.

“Feedback and suggestions will help to evolve the scheme further with the aim of creating a sensitively designed and bespoke scheme which protects historical features and enhances the area with significant new planting, protection and remediation of existing trees, and well-managed open spaces.

“The proposals will provide much-needed homes for local people.”

  • A SCHEME for up to 70 homes in Mistley has been approved.

Rose Builders has been granted permission to construct the homes on land north of Stourview Avenue.

Tendring Council planners said the site was Mistley Parish Council’s preferred location for inclusion in the new Local Plan for housing.

However, following the approval of plans for homes in Long Road, Harwich Road and Pound Corner, the parish council no longer supported the idea.

Lynne Smith, of Stourview Close, said: “It would destroy the habitat of a wealth of wildlife.”