Plans for more than 100 homes in a Mid Essex village have been refused by Government planners, with campaigners celebrating the victory.

The proposals by EJ Latchingdon for 140 homes on farmland near The Street Latchingdon, were thrown out by the Planning Inspector following refusal by Maldon District Council and a planning appeal.

The Planning Inspectorate raised concerns about the impact on the environment. They said "It has not been demonstrated that significant harm to biodiversity can be avoided, adequately mitigated or compensated."

The plans included 40 per cent affordable housing, space for businesses and a new village centre.

It comes after residents previously insisted the village drainage systems cannot cope. The Government planner also ruled the development would be "contrary" to the overall strategy for growth and therefore, the development "would not be in a suitable location."

Becky Harris, 33, said: "It's great to see this result, and gives us hope this land and our village will be saved from further development.

"We simply can't cope or accommodate any more homes or development without the infrastructure.

"We've had enough and we will continue to fight for the right thing and decisions. I also think this shows the old narrative of the Government will agree homes and overrule councils and residents doesn't always stand up."

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The Planning Inspectorate's report added: "I have identified that the proposal would fail to fully satisfy the flood risk sequential test, but that only part of the access road within the site would be directly affected by flood risk."