Plans for up to 145 homes in a north Essex village have been thrown out by councillors.

Taylor Wimpey put forward the proposed development for Cockaynes Lane in Alresford.

But members of Tendring District Council’s planning committee unanimously rejected the plans, amid fears it would “urbanise” the village.

The proposed site was next to, but outside of, the village settlement boundary.

Outline plans submitted by Taylor Wimpey included open space, an orchard and allotments to accompany the development.

The homes would have been a mixture of sizes, including some two and three bedroom houses, to suit a range of needs.

Alresford Parish Council objected to the scheme, and the district authority received more than 150 letters against the plans.

In a statement issued ahead of the meeting the parish council had objected in particular to the access road on the grounds it was “a tiny ancient villae lane”.

Parish councillors also objected to the development taking place on agricultural land.

Members of the planning committee refused the proposal on the basis it was out of scale, out of character and would have an adverse impact on the village.

They were told the proposed 145 new homes represented a 19% increase on the number of existing properties in the village.

Members decided the development was too big and would urbanise Alresford which would be overwhelmed by the properties, adding they believed it was a good scheme, but in the wrong place.