CONTROVERSIAL plans to build offices and homes in Halstead have sparked objections from town councillors.

Nine houses, 12 flats and ten commercial office spaces are proposed for the former Hunwick Engineering site on Kings Road.

The application, by developer AR Clarke, also looks to create 53 parking spaces on the site.

But there are fears over the potential disruption the development would cause, especially to existing residents’ street parking.

Residents in Kings Road claim 53 new spaces will not be enough and will lead to parking chaos.

One resident said: “Our concern with this application is to do with the parking, as over the years it is almost impossible to park on our street, let alone outside our property.

“The long-standing residents of this road have had enough. Sometimes we have to park in different streets and walk home because the parking is so restricted.

“The responsibility lies with the developer and the council to take into consideration parking for the existing residents of Kings Road who will suffer the impact, and the extra environmental pollution created by the street being yet busier.

“Infrastructure should be as important, if not more so, than the actual build, as it impacts greatly on the local residents.

“Common sense and courtesy must prevail.”

The proposal would see four entrances on to the site, with two on Factory Lane West.

Residents attended a town council meeting on Monday to voice their concerns about traffic and parking, which were echoed by councillor Garry Warren.

Mr Warren said: “Kings Road is a nightmare road with parking.

“First of all we need to widen Factory Road. This would be an opportunity missed to do that and that’s why I’ll be objecting to these plans.”

Councillors voted unanimously against the plans because of the parking.

Councillor Malcolm Fincken said: “They need to go back to the drawing board and come back with a better plan.”

The final decision will be made by Braintree Council.