A CONTROVERSIAL 292-home development is moving ever closer after a “section 106” planning agreement was signed.

The deal, between Gladman Development, Braintree Council and Essex County Council, sets out how much and when contributions towards infrastructure including education and open spaces should be made as part of the Oak Road housing development.

The outline planning application was approved last September despite a last-ditch bid by around 20 residents and Halstead Town Council to try and convince Braintree Council’s planning committee to overrule officers’ recommendation that it be approved.

Detailed planning applications for each phase of the development still have to be submitted and approved by the council.

The agreement reveals Gladman must make a community building contribution of £135,000 or the provision of the long-awaited community centre being built on Butler Road.

A “healthcare contribution” of £329.95 must be made for each home built – totalling more than £96,0000 once the development is complete.

The cash will be spent on improvements to the Elizabeth Courtauld Surgery.

Gladman has also been told that affordable homes, which could number up to 100, must be built before all of the homes in each phase are occupied.

Contributions towards education are also set out, with some cash demanded up front and the rest to be made once 100 homes have been occupied by residents.

Gladman has agreed to make further donations towards public open space and recreation, and transfer 2.3 hectares of the site to Halstead Town Council as community open space.