A garden centre will be turned into 180 homes following a successful appeal by the developer. 

Klesworth Ltd submitted plans for St John's Plant Centre in Clacton to turn the site into a mix of homes, including 10 two-bed, 83 three-bed, 24 four-bed homes as well as 15 five-bed homes.  

The development would also include 16 one-bedroom apartments, 24 two-bed apartments and 8 units containing commercial units totalling 1,064 square metres with flats above. 

Under the approved scheme an existing property on St John’s Road would be demolished, along with the existing nursery buildings.

Tendring District Council's planning committee had turned down the development, citing concerns about the impact of noise, vibration and lights on nearby homes. 

Following an appeal to the planning inspectorate and the subsequent hearing, Planning Inspector Benjamin Webb has ruled the development should go ahead. 

In his summary, Mr Webb found the council's refusal on the grounds of traffic and highway safety grounds and light and noise "unreasonable". 

In relation to the highways safety issue, the appeal decision said the council had confirmed at the hearing that its reason for refusal had been addressed by the applicant's submission of further data. 

Addressing the objections to noise, vibration and light Mr Webb said there were no grounds for objection on those issues for a 2020 scheme to build 195 dwellings on the same site - which was dismissed at appeal. 

Gary Guiver, TDC director of planning, said the council’s focus would now be on ensuring the scheme is delivered to a high quality.

“This decision has been taken out of our hands, and we will now – as we do with all developments in our district once they are approved – work to ensure the scheme is done properly to help provide quality housing and commercial space to benefit Tendring.”

The Planning Inspector also awarded costs to Kelsworth Ltd, which are to be determined.