A DEVELOPER has returned with fresh plans to build new houses, flats and offices in the centre of Halstead.

A R Clarke Ltd is seeking outline planning permission to construct 21 homes and 10 commercial buildings on a brownfield site off Kings Road, opposite Halstead Fire Station.

The land has been labelled an "eyesore" by councillors and has been left abandoned since 2016 when Hunwick, a metal fabrication engineering firm, left the site.

A R Clarke had previously sought to build nearly 50 homes on the land but an application for the scheme was turned down in December 2018 due to concerns about the number of buildings proposed.

The applicant has now scaled back its vision and has looked to appease planning officers by offering to install offices alongside the homes.

The planning statement adds: "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."

No objections to the scheme have been raised so far.

Braintree Council will have the final say.