A developer has unveiled plans to build 71 new homes close to the centre of Halstead.

Tesni Property Ltd has submitted a planning application to build the new houses on farmland off Mount Hill.

The development would include a mix of one, two and three bedroom houses, while 22 of the homes would be set aside for affordable housing.

Access to the site would come via Mount Hill, however none of the homes built would be forward facing onto the road due to concerns about residents trying to get onto and off their driveways.

A child’s play area and pond area would also be created, while further landscaping would take place to ensure the houses fit in with the rural backdrop.

In total, it is estimated it would cost £11.86 million to build all 71 homes.

Contributions towards healthcare and schooling in the area have not been suggested, but would be agreed with the council if outline planning permission was granted.

The design and access statement submitted with the application states: “The proposal will result in a number of important social, economic and environmental benefits.

“The landscape and visual harm arising from the development of a greenfield site beyond the current settlement boundaries, is limited in scale and magnitude. It is no more than would be expected for changing a previously undeveloped site to one of built form.”

Half of the proposed site for the development is used to grow a combination of wheat and spring beans.

The other half is described as “poor quality scrub and bog.”

The proposed development lies outside of the settlement boundary for Halstead, but Tesni argues it would fit in with nearby housing.