An environment impact assessment will not be prepared in relation to a 700 home development in Braintree.

Braintree Council has decided it does not require David Lock Associates to produce an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) relating to its proposals at Towerlands Park, off Panfield Lane, Braintree.

The planning agent wants to build up to 700 homes, a nursery, community facilities and some retail space at the site, which used to be a golf course and equestrian centre.

David Lock Associates argued an EIA was not necessary as the site was not in an "environmentally sensitive area".

A report states: "The proposed development is for approximately 700 homes and therefore in intensity and complexity of the impact will not be significant in comparison to other sites which are proposed in the emerging Local Plan.

It adds: "Whilst a 700 home development is a major development there is nothing in the proposed development that would create significant impacts on the environment and that would justify the need for an EIA."

The developer's plans originally included a primary school, 600 homes and a neighbourhood centre including retail and health units.

However the developer later added another 100 homes to the proposals, and said Essex County Council advised a new primary school was "no longer needed".

Towerlands Park closed in July 2012 and has been empty since.