PLANS for new homes at a former care home site have been given the go-ahead after an appeal.

A planning application was submitted for the demolition of buildings at the former Woodacre site in D'Arcy Road to build 8 new homes.

Another plan, by the same applicant, was submitted for two new homes at the Tolleshunt Knights site - within the settlement boundary.

Woodacre had provided accommodation and personal care to up to 15 people who had a learning disability or autistic spectrum disorder.

The plans for new homes at the site have been refused twice by the district council, as it said on both occasions the plans would result in the loss of specialist needs accommodation, health and community facility.

After the recent refusal, appeals for both applications were lodged with the planning inspectorate.

The NHS sold the site in 2019 after Woodacre's closure, which Essex County Council told the planning inspectorate was because the model of care was "outdated" and the site is "not fit for purpose" as its in a rural village.

The planning inspectorate said the schemes would not harm the character and appearance of the area, would provide acceptable living conditions for future occupiers and would not harm the provision of specialist accommodation in the district.

Concluding the design and access statement on its 8 homes plan, the applicant said: "Overall this scheme will enhance the character of this part of Tolleshunt Knights and of the countryside."

Planning permission for the homes was granted after both appeals were allowed.