A CONTROVERSIAL piece of land in the centre of Halstead should become a “comprehensive redevelopment area”, according to Braintree Council officers.

Land east of the High Street, which was originally going to be turned into a Tesco until the supermarket chain pulled out, was recently marketed as a potential housing estate.

However, the site is now set to be included in Braintree Council’s draft Local Plan as suitable for a mix of homes, shops, commercial space, open space and community uses.

A report to be discussed at a meet- ing on Wednesday states: “The site is located to the rear of properties on Halstead High Street and as such is in a central location which is within close proximity to the main town facilities and is therefore considered a highly sustainable and well-connected site.

“However, the site does have a number of constraints including the proximity of the conservation area and listed buildings, the historic air raid shelters, the need to retain important views including to the church, the presence of protected trees on the site, wildlife habitats drainage, water and levels issues.

“The vehicle access in particular is also not straightforward. However, officers believe that a suitable and sympathetic scheme for the development of the site should be able to be found which could incorporate a range of uses including homes, employment, parking and open space.”

Contracts are set to be exchanged with an undisclosed buyer who will look to develop the land after purchasing it from a consortium of landowners including Braintree Council, the Salvation Army housing association, Chelmsford Diocese and NatWest and Lloyds banks.

Officers believe any redevelopment should protect listed buildings and retain at least one of the air raid shelters, as well as protecting some of the trees and habitats.

Campaign group Halstead 21st Century has long been campaigning for the site to be protected for future generations to enjoy. The group handed the district council its own plan for the land, which includes a forest school, heritage trail, visitor centre, a picnic area and board walks.

Braintree Council turned down the group’s proposal in 2014.