SAFETY campaigners are furious a development set to create a long-awaited path on a dangerous road has been refused.

The plans were to build seven new homes on land off Harwich Road in Great Bromley, as well as a footpath along the main road for residents.

Robert Day, Great Bromley parish councillor and landlord of the Court House pub on Harwich Road, said the scheme was vital to the safety of villagers.

He said: “We’ve been trying to get a footpath built between Hare Green and the Court House corner for years.

“It is essential. There are about 150 households and if they want to take the dog for a walk or go to the village hall they have to use a car.

“The developer spent tens of thousands of pounds on studies for this footpath, which went in with the planning application, and it’s been turned down.

“It’s a really big community contribution that has been lost.

“It’s a matter of life and death as well, there have been numerous accidents along there.

“A couple of employees have to walk along that road.

“And there is a state of the art play area but the only way to get there is by car.”

Cath Bicknell, Tendring Council’s head of planning, said the development was outside of the village settlement boundary.

She added: “We have an identified five year supply of housing land and need to resist development of land outside the boundaries.”

It was pointed out that a nearby development of six houses and a shop had been given the go ahead – but that was before the five year supply of housing land had been achieved.

This scheme is set to include creating a new footpath from the Frating end of the village.

It was hoped both paths could link and create a safe way for villagers to walk around the area as well as giving them access to amenities.