CAMPAIGNERS and councillors have opposed a fresh bid to build homes on an ancient meadow.
Halstead Town Council voted against the application to build nine homes on Sloe Cottage Meadow, to the east of Sloe Hill in Halstead on Monday.
The Hands Off Chapel Hill and Sloe Hill campaign group has said they are also stepping up opposition to the plans.
Sloe Cottage Meadow was once farmland belonging to the 1st Earl of Oxford and Norman knight Edward DeVere, in the 12th century.
It was originally farmed by serfs and slaves, and campaigners claim there is still a prospect of finding archaeological remains.