A major development of more than 200 new homes on the site of a former caravan park in Walton-on-the-Naze has been given the final seal of approval.

Tendring District Council (TDC) deferred a decision on the scheme last month after issues were raised by Natural England.

It had concerns about the potential impact of the development on Hamford Water following the creation of a newly-proposed coastal footpath around the coastline of Britain.

Natural England wanted the application for the former Martello Caravan Park in Kirby Road put back to a future meeting and that was accepted.

However on Tuesday, TDC’s planning committee members heard there was to be no objection to the plans.

Senior planning officer Morne Van Rooyen said: “Natural England has had a more detailed look at this and has issued its formal response and withdrawn its concerns.”

The committee unanimously granted planning permission for 216 homes on the site.

The Martello Caravan Park closed at the end of 2014 and is set to be redeveloped with a care home, GP surgery, pub with hotel rooms, fast food restaurant, as well as the housing development.

Taylor Wimpey East London had originally proposed 250 properties for the land and that was later reduced to 242 and then further to 237.

The planning committee rejected an application last October for further talks to take place with the firm. Following the discussions, Taylor Wimpey reduced the numbers again to 216 and also increased the number of ‘aspirational’ – better-quality – properties, removed shared surfaces and also increased the number of garages and car ports on the site.

It was felt the scheme would deliver significant benefits to the area and contribute to the regeneration of the town. Officers considered that previous concerns expressed by the committee had also been addressed and that was agreed by members.

Frinton and Walton Town Council also supported the scheme.

It was given the go-ahead subject to 34 conditions and a Section 106 legal agreement being completed within six months to cover contributions towards education, affordable housing and health.