News of new housing developments are regularly featured on the pages of this paper.

This week we bring updates on a range of proposals which could see 258 homes built in our towns and villages.

So concerned are residents of the Chapel Hill area of Halstead they have formed a campaign group to fight an appeal over 70 homes.

In recent months we have seen numerous groups start up as they battle against what they fear is overdevelopment of their area.

It is difficult for our planning authority, Braintree Council, which has to balance the need for more homes with the concerns of residents.

The Hands Off Chapel Hill group are worried an area they describe as “beautiful” and “stunning” could be lost forever if the new homes are built.

Peter Caulfield, who launched the group, has urged people not to become complacent after the initial refusal of the plans.

The group’s desire to protect the area surrounding their homes is commendable. Ultimately, the final decision on whether this is an appropriate area to build is in the hands of the planning inspector.