AIR raid shelters in Halstead could be turned into 'active buildings', residents have suggested.

Land east of the High Street was put forward in the district's draft Local Plan for new homes, retail and commercial space.

The land was thought to be unsustainable, as the Halstead 21st Century Group has tried to conserve and enhance the heritage there.

However Braintree Council suggested a policy with good access, appropriate parking and protection of listed buildings would be welcomed.

The council ran a public consultation on the sites until August 19.

In a comments portal, resident Jane Giffould said that to bring economic benefit to the town the 16 air raid shelters could be developed.

She said: "The above ground shelter could be the visitor centre which could include screens to show what is happening in various shelters.

"Two of the less good condition shelters would be ideal as bat hibernacula.

"Four shelters could be used by the four local schools for their own projects.

"A couple of shelters could be set up as Second World War experiences and could provide an income from visitors.

"Another shelter could be used as part of a Courtauld History Trail for both Halstead and further afield.

"The remaining shelters could be let out to different groups for exhibitions or even as stores, again providing income."

She also suggested the council make use of the outdoor space to encourage Forest Schools and other educational uses.

Another resident, Janet Mellon, said the council's proposal to demolish some of the shelters would destroy the character of the town.

She said: "As a town we should be showing off our historic assets rather than planning to destroy them.

"Sixteen air raid shelters is a large number to survive as a single group and their importance has been recognized by many people.

"As heritage and conservation assets, their demolition would be a great loss to the community-although Braintree Council plans to refurbish one of the air raid shelters, the possibility of demolishing the other fifteen is unthinkable."

Resident Janet Atkinson also thought turning the shelters into a visitor attraction would benefit the town.

She said: "Preserving one is not in the interests of the town- a group could be made into a visitor attraction which is lacking in the town at the moment.

"A feature like this would draw in tourists to the area, it could also be a great education resource."

The Local Plan sub-committee will be considering these comments over the coming months and making changes to the draft Local Plan as a result.

A further submission of the Local Plan will then be published in early 2017.