A SITE put forward for a £10.9million housing estate is not suitable for development according to planning officers.

Land east of Sudbury Road in Halstead, known as The Sleights, was put forward in the Call for Sites for 250 homes.

The field, which is the size of 14 football pitches, is well placed to provide access to schools, Mr Golland from Andrew Golland Associates said.

He said there were no significant constraints on the site.

Halstead Town Council said the site would not be supported due to its visual prominence and the potential implications for the cricket club.

However in a Sustainability Appraisal, it said significant positive effects include the proposal would significantly contribute to the delivery of affordable housing and broadband, and would be within 2.4km of the Ramsey College.

The appraisal said: "Other positives include proximity of part of the site to the settlement edge, hospital open space, employment, services and facilities, regular public transport services and primary school facilities."

Planning officers said the site includes an area designated for formal recreational land designation in the Local Plan Review and Site Allocations Plan.

They said: "This is a large site which would have some negative impacts on landscape quality.

"Sufficient housing has been allocated further south within the district and a site of this scale is not required to meet the housing targets.

"The development of this area is likely to add to congestion within the settlement."

Mr Golland will be able to comment on the decision when the Local Plan goes to public consultation.