PLANS to build two more homes in the centre of Halstead have been opposed by the town council and highways bosses.

Framar Development has applied to build two dwellings at the rear of three Market Hill.

Planning permission has already been granted to convert the former Halstead Curtain and Carpet shop into a wine bar, four flats, and a house at the back of the site.

Halstead Town Council fears two extra two-bedroom homes would lead to overintensification of the area, as well as raising issues with access. At a meeting on Monday town mayor Shirley Diver initially proposed no objections to the plans.

But several members of the town council commented that the plans appeared cramped, and led on to an already restricted part of the town centre.

Councillors agreed to submit an objection on the grounds of restricted access.

Essex County Council’s Highways Department also objected due to “intensification”.

The objection said: “The proposal would lead to intensification of use of the site without adequate turning facilities.

“As far as can be determined from the submitted plans the proposal would lead to the intensification of use of a sub-standard access by reason of insufficient pedestrian and vehicular visibility splays contrary to the interests of highway safety.”

Framar Development won planning permission at the start of March to convert the site.