CONCERNS have been raised about the construction of 192 homes off Oak Road which is due to begin soon.

A host of issues were raised at a Halstead Town Council meeting this week.

Bloor Homes is hoping to start construction by October on their 192 homes.

They have submitted a reserved matters application, giving full detail of their plans for the site, but Halstead Town Council has taken issue with a number of the details.

At Monday night’s full council meeting councillors raised objections to several aspects including access to the site, a lack of consideration of public transport, and “underwhelming” open space and play facilities.

Councillor Jackie Pell said: “I think there are a lot of prevalent highways issues, which must be looked at.

“It is a huge concern for the residents living there, and also for us as a town council.

“There has been a lot said about the access from Mount Hill, with concerns over the A131, but you also have to look at access from the Tidings Hill end.

“Quite simply we cannot have HGVs and lorries entering from that side of the town, the roads are too small and it will cause issues.”

Due to the location of the site, concerns were raised not enough is being down to link the new residents to the town centre.

Mrs Pell added: “We need a travel plan in place before they start building, before it is too late.

“At the moment there has been no mention of public transport.

“Before Lidl was approved they needed all this in place but it hasn’t been mentioned here yet.

“The site is far away enough from the town that not everyone will be able to walk that distance.

“Buses should be coming onto the site, it needs to be accessible and they need to sort these plans before they start.”

The plans also include a children’s play area, but again the council felt the plans were not up to scratch.

Mrs Pell added: “They have planned a few bits, but in my opinion it is hardly enough.

“Really, you should be inclusive with these sites, and if you build a park, you should be doing it with disabled facilities for both children and adults.”

The council will be relaying its views to the district council. Bloor Homes were contacted for a comment but no response has been received.