CONCERNED residents are calling on villagers to submit their objections to a housing development bid with the objection window closing tomorrow (May 11).

Campaigners are saying it is the last chance for residents to oppose a development bid in Pebmarsh.

The bid looks to bring five new homes to Water Lane in the village.

Developers feel the application would support Braintree council's housing targets and would fit in with the village's aesthetic.

In a planning statement, a spokesman said: "The intrinsic character and beauty of the village and countryside would be respected and there would be no demonstrable harm to the character and appearance of the area when assessed against policies in the NPPF.

"Design matters have been reserved for a subsequent full planning application.

"The site is not determined to be a sensitive impact to the conservation area and the listed buildings and therefore it is acceptable to reserve this to a reserved matters stage.

"In the planning balance and having regard to national planning policy, the merits of this sustainable and sensitively designed proposal weigh in favour of the grant of planning permission."

But campaigners have been left outraged by the bid, with the application becoming the seventh development bid in the road in recent years.

Now a "stop the Water Lane development" page on the village's community website is asking residents to submit their objections.

The window for residents to submit their objections closes on Tuesday.

A spokesman for the page said: "This proposal will bring to a staggering total of seven, the number of planned new developments in Water Lane – stretching up beyond the back of Pearsons Close and turn a charming lane, much loved by walkers and dog owners, into a busy thoroughfare.

"These are not the affordable housing, or the step-up properties needed for growing village families, but large four and three bedroom houses, designed to maximise returns for the developer.

"Please, please, make your voice heard and raise your objections to Braintree District Council.

"This may not directly affect you right now, but the impact and consequences will have a permanent impact on the whole of the village."