Councils in East Anglia have been branded ‘frightened’ to reject new housing schemes, fearing any decisions will be overturned by central government.

A BBC investigation found that while many residents are against new housing developments, councils are afraid to reject proposals over fears a costly appeals process will follow.

Under the National Planning Policy Framework, developers can lodge an appeal against rejected proposals with a decision referred to central government planners.

If local authorities do not have a five-year housing supply policy then the appeal is likely to be successful.

North Hertfordshire District Council recently approved plans for 150 homes at Ivy Farm in Royston, against the wishes of local people.

David Levett, planning portfolio holder for the council, told the BBC that any rejection of the plans would have been overturned by government inspectors.

“It wasn’t the ideal site but on balance we felt that if we refused it and it went to appeal, it would almost certainly be approved by the inspectors,” he said.

“We haven’t got a five-year land supply and… that’s why we approved it.”

Consultant David Shaw added: “If they are going to have to fight an appeal they know that will cost them a lot of money and they’re frightened of that. So they’re making decisions that they are really reluctant to make.”