A BID to finalise plans to build 80 new homes in a village has been given the thumbs-up by planning bosses.

Developer Persimmon Homes has been given the green light to build the housing on land in Earls Colne.

The site is located in a field south of Halstead Road with access also via Halstead Road.

The bid was the third attempt at getting the 80-homes application over the line.

Originally, outline planning permission was granted back in 2017.

Since then, developers have attempted to complete the application by submitting a reserved matters application.

In July 2021, a reserved matters application was granted, but it was discovered the bid would need to go back to Braintree Council due to the necessary inclusion of a foul water pump station which was not previously considered.

Another planning meeting in September 2021 saw the planning committee defer the application due to the possible implications of the new foul water pump station on an existing neighbouring amenity.

Now developers have had their third attempt unanimously accepted by Braintree Council’s planning committee following a meeting on Tuesday.

The revised bid moved the planned pump station to the southern end of the site.

A planning report by council officers had recommended the bid for approval prior to the meeting.

Overall, the application received little objection from groups such as Environmental Health, Essex Police, Essex Fire and Earls Colne Parish Council.

The report also stated no further objections from residents had been received since the last planning committee meeting in September.

A statement from Permission’s agent, Paige Harris, said: “The final aspect you are being asked to resolve relates to the positioning of the required pumping station.

“It was appreciated that the proposed scheme was considered by members to be a welcome addition to the village, what with the design of the linear park, ecological mitigation and delivering a good mix of dwelling sizes for both private and affordable accommodation being key aspects identified by members.

“We are pleased to bring this application back to planning committee with the pump station having now been moved to the lowest part of the site.

“This ensures the proposed area of open space will be delivered in the location and form previously approved by members.

“The revisions have been subject to consultation by statutory consultees and the public, and have received no objections from either .

Councillor Gabrielle Spray said: “I appreciate the fact the developer did take on board the comments from both this committee and residents throughout this process about the pump station.”