RESIDENTS fighting to stop flats being built on a Halstead green space have won the backing of the town council.

Greenfields Community Housing has proposed to build seven one-bedroom flats and six two-bedroom flats on the site of two garage blocks and an open grass area in The Tythings.

Plans to build the flats were originally opposed by residents after they raised concerns over the loss of green space and parking issues.

At a meeting, Halstead Town Council voted to object to the plans, although the final decision rests with Braintree Council.

Members chose to object the planning on the grounds of “overintensification, parking, loss of an open space and loss of a safe area”.

The town council raised concerns over whether the remainder of the grass area would be left for public use along with the loss of public space.

They were also worried about parking for residents and traffic, which they highlighted as already being an issue.

Councillors said the green space was often used by children to play on, and had been used in that way for many years.

They described the green as a “safe haven”, allowing parents to watch from their houses while their children play.

There are currently six objection comments for the planning application on the Braintree Council website.

A Greenfields spokesman said: “We have applied for planning permission to build 13 flats at The Tythings, Halstead. Each flat will have allocated parking, and there will be six additional spaces available for visitors and the general public.

“We welcome all feedback on the proposed site, which can be given through the Braintree Council website.”