COUNCIL planners have recommended plans to build 80 new homes for approval despite objections from town councillors.

Developers Bellway Homes are seeking permission from Braintree Council to build 80 new homes on land off Oak Road in Halstead.

As well as 80 homes, the plans also aim to bring a public open space, access from Tidings Hill, sustainable drainage systems, landscaping and all associated infrastructure and development to the site.

Access to the site via Tidings Hill out also see the current junction widened by more than four metres.

Housing at the site would consist of four one-bed homes, 27 two-bed homes, 39 three-bed homes and 10 four-bed homes.

The application has caused a stir among town councillors with Halstead Town Council opposing the bid as well as Greenstead Green and Halstead Rural Parish Council.

Reasons for their objection include Tidings Hill and Oak Road not being suitable for traffic, Oak Road being considered a quiet lane, flooding concerns and overdevelopment.

One objector said: "There are several sites in the process of building 'affordable' homes in Halstead, which means Halstead already has a large number of additional homes - more than its fair share, in my opinion.

"The council must recognise the infrastructure of the town is already stretched to breaking point.

"The A131 and A1124 roads in, and through Halstead are already under heavy strain, and the heavy lorries passing though are already a danger to buildings, other vehicles, and particularly pedestrians.

"Without significant investment in the infrastructure of Halstead, the town is not able to absorb more and more buildings, or plans by unrestrained companies trying to cash-in without a thought to the consequences of continual building."

However, despite objections, planning officer have recommended the bid be approved in the run up to the Braintree Council Planning Committee meeting on April 19.

In a report, negative of the plans are said to be conflict with development plans and harm to trees and hedges.

Benefits of the plans are said to be affordable housing, access to services and economic and social benefits.