VILLAGERS turned out in force to tell a planning inspector that controversial plans for hundreds of homes on land around an exclusive spa in Thorpe would harm historic parklands.

Thorpe Hall Leisure’s plans for up to 200 residential units, an eight-acre park, landscaping and a new access road on rural land around the Lifehouse Spa and Hotel in Frinton Road were rejected by Tendring Council earlier this year.

A six-day planning inquiry is now being held with a Government planning inspector at Weeley Council Chambers after the developer appealed against the decision.

Thorpe Parish Council strongly objected to the plans and Tendring Council received 467 letters of opposition, many claiming the plans would damage the historic Thorpe Hall parkland.

Lifehouse’s owners previously said the spa – which opened in 2010 as part of a major £30 million investment – has become a success, but needs investment to secure its future. They claim developing the land is the best way to raise the money needed.

Speaking at the hearing, Thorpe councillor Dan Land said: “The community of Thorpe has wrestled with the concept that the main stated benefit from this excessively large housing proposal, is to raise money for the Lifehouse to pay off their debts, invest in their spa to then improve their accounting bottom line. That’s a lot of them and not much us.

“Thorpe Hall and the parklands surrounding it are unique, inspiring and rich in beauty.

“Not only is this area a major part of Thorpe’s historical substance it also provides a rare glimpse into a special ecological system that supports a wide range of plants and wildlife – areas such as these are believed to becoming slowly decimated by urban sprawl.

“Bricks should create our future not destroy our heritage and open space.”

“The community of Thorpe believes that any benefits from this development are demonstrably outweighed by the negative impact on the character, appearance, ecology, highway, conservation areas, park and gardens.”