HUNDREDS of campaigners are rejoicing after finally winning a two-year long battle against a major development in Lawford.

A planning inspector has thrown out the appeal by Gladman Developments to build 110 houses on land off Grange Road.

Inspector Helen Heward held a six-day public inquiry in July, where she heard from Tendring Council why the planning application by Gladman was refused.

Tendring Council refused the application on the grounds it considered the development to be “unsustainable”.

Mrs Heward also consulted both Gladman, which argued the refusal should be overturned, and residents, who formed Lawford Tye Action Group (LTAG) to oppose the development.

About 315 residents objected to the planning application and a spokesman from the action group explained 1,500 houses had already been given permission in the area and as a result, road infrastructure could not cope with any more traffic.

LTAG argued schools and doctors are already under great pressure, and the Lawford Tye Field is outside the settlement boundary of the village.

The field is an open countryside where wildlife flourishes and is the home of Tye Henge, a 4,500 years old scheduled ancient monument.

Eleanor Storey, chairman of the action group, said: “We explained to the inspector why this is not an appropriate place to build houses.

“The inspector took a great deal of time and effort at the inquiry to understand all the detailed arguments and she visited the site several times looking at it from every angle.

“We are both pleased and relieved with her decision, as I’m sure, are many people in Lawford.

“Our community is not against house building, we have already accepted more than our share, we simply can’t cope with any more.

“The action group has met since the inquiry and vowed to fight any other development proposed on Lawford Tye Field.

“We are very thankful for the support of so many local people, Tendring Council and for the council of our professional planning advisor.”

Gladman has been contacted for a comment.