Residents fear proposals for new housing could ruin the character of their community and devalue their homes.

Braintree Council has published details of land it has earmarked for future development and has set out policies it will use to judge future planning applications.

People will have the chance to view the proposals and give their own opinions at a series of upcoming public exhibitions.

In Earls Colne, three areas have been earmarked for housing developments, each containing 10 houses or more.

Developers would be required to make 40 per cent of each development affordable housing as part of any proposed scheme.

Full story in this week's Gazette.