Villagers look set to lose their battle against a developer seeking to build 90 new homes.

Braintree Council’s planning officers have recommended Gladman Developments’ outline plans to build the houses on land off Station Road, Earls Colne, be approved.

The number of homes initially suggested for the site had been 117, however this was reduced to 90 due to flooding concerns.

The planning officer’s report which will be put before a planning committee next week acknowledges the site lies outside the village envelope.

However, the report states the new homes would help meet the council’s need for more housing and suggests the benefits of the proposals outweigh the negatives.

The report adds: “In terms of economic and social sustainability, the development would bring demonstrable public benefits including up to 54 market homes and 36 affordable homes.

“Environmentally, the site is located in a sustainable position, being immediately adjacent to one of the district’s key service villages with its associated services and facilities. Pedestrian and cycle access could be achieved from the site into Earls Colne village centre and there is good bus service provision in the locality which provides regular access to the wider area, including Colchester.

“Other benefits which weigh in favour of the development include financial contributions towards the off-site provision of outdoor sports facilities and allotments; the upgrading of two existing bus stops and the provision of public open space on site which could be used by both new and existing residents in the locality.”

Among those objecting to the plans were the Essex Wildlife Trust and Earls Colne and Colne Engaine Parish Councils.

A total of 54 letters of objection were also submitted to Braintree Council by residents in the village.

A final decision on the plans will be made during a meeting at Causeway House on Tuesday.