A town centre eyesore could be transformed after plans to build 50 new homes and eight offices were unveiled.

A R Clarke has submitted two separate planning applications for the former Hunwicks Engineering site in Kings Road, Halstead.

The first application handed to Braintree Council seeks planning permission for seven homes.

The second application outlines plans to build 28 flats, a further 12 houses and commercial units.

In total, if approved, the plans could see 47 houses built on a stretch of land which sits in between Kings Road and Factory Lane West.

It is understood Braintree Council is keen for the site to be used for commercial purposes, however Stanfords, which has drawn up the plans on behalf of the applicant, argues housing would better suit the location.

A statement submitted alongside the application reads: “Although the council has expressed a desire that this site should be developed for employment based uses, the submitted scheme reflects the character of the area and will bring considerable benefits to the community.

“It is a logical scale of development in a location very close to the town centre.

“Having regard to the council’s policies of restraint towards housing development being out of date, this scheme will provide appropriate smaller units on a derelict site in urgent need of redevelopment together with a number of small scale purpose designed office units.”

The site has been empty since 2016.

To view the two applications, visit Braintree Council’s online planning portal and search for reference numbers 18/01121/OUT or 18/01119/FUL.