Tendring District Council : Revised Scheme For 200 Homes Is Rejected

A revised scheme to build 200 homes in Thorpe has been rejected.

New plans have been submitted for part of the Lifehouse Spa and Hotel site in Frinton Road.

The outline application also includes an eight acre park, landscaping, access roads, infrastructure and ancillary works.

It differs from a previous proposal refused last year as it does not involve 92 supported and independent care units, 50 luxury holiday units, a health centre, business units and public car park.

Thorpe Parish Council strongly objected to the scheme and Tendring District Council (TDC) also received around 440 letters of opposition raising a number of concerns, as well as five letters of support.

The existing spa and hotel are set in a mature landscape made up of a registered park and garden.

The proposed sole access for the new development would be directly onto Station Road.

The site is outside the settlement development boundary for Thorpe and TDC wants to see the main new development concentrated on larger urban areas.

A spokesman for TDC said the latest application for the Lifehouse Spa and Hotel site go against its policies.

'The adverse impacts of the proposal, both on the undeveloped character of the locality and on the Council's ability to manage growth through a plan-led approach are not outweighed by the benefits,' he said.

'The development is of such a scale that it would significantly alter the character and appearance of the local landscape.

'It would also have an adverse impact of the adjoining Grade II listed park and garden, and the setting of the Thorpe Conservation Area.'

Essex County Council, as the highway authority, also had reservations about the proposal and there are concerns it would cause additional queues and traffic congestion.