“FURIOUS” councillors have again objected to a controversial housing bid on the outskirts of Halstead following a change to the plans.

Halstead Town Council voted to object to plans to build up to 73 homes on land off Mount Hill, between Halstead Hall care home and Blamsters Farm.

The original version of the bid by Orchestra Ltd aimed to bring 130 homes to the site, but a revision of the application then saw a reduction in the number.

Councillors met on Monday to discuss the revised bid, with the council already opposing the initial version of the plans.

It comes after a neighbouring development of 71 homes on Mount Hill was given the green light by Braintree Council planners last month.

Town and district councillor Jackie Pell says the town council is “strongly opposed” to the 73-homes plans.

The main reason for its anger is the fact that the 73 homes site falls outside the boundary for Halstead Town Council.

The development would instead be part of the Greenstead Green and Halstead Rural parish, despite the homes being almost in Halstead.

As a result, objectors say the new residents would use and put a strain on Halstead’s infrastructure, but tax money would go to the Greenstead Green and Halstead Rural Parish Council instead.

Concerns were also raised over potential flooding fears.

Mrs Pell says she is concerned flooding would travel down the hill and towards the 71-homes development.

She was also less than impressed with Greenstead Green and Halstead Rural parish council.

She said: “Well, I’m absolutely furious about this one.

“The development is the Greenstead Green and Halstead Rural parish but for the second time now they’ve offered no objection.

“We voted to object to this very strongly for the second time.

“It is just ridiculous, it is not at all necessary and its not even Halstead.

“It would also be very dangerous around that junction. I remember a few years ago a postwoman got killed there.”

Mrs Pell added: “We don’t want them, it really is more than enough. We are not a dumping ground.”