A DEVELOPER appealing a council decision to refuse its plans for 200 homes says it does not trust the authority’s own figures that it has a robust enough supply of land for housing.

Gladman Developments and Braintree Council are set for an appeal hearing scheduled for six days in October to determine whether the plans for land in Greenstead Green can go ahead.

The appeal followed a decision to reject Gladman’s proposals for 200 homes because of concerns over the development’s impact on the countryside – albeit officers had recommended the plans should be approved when the committee met in March.

Gladman argued the development will provide an economic boost, deliver new homes of the right type and mix, at the right place and right time to meet market and affordable housing need.

But it also argues the council’s stated housing supply position of just over five years “does not reflect the authority’s true deliverable supply position.”

By law each housing authority must ensure there is enough available land to meet at least five years’ worth of development. In Braintree it amounts to 3,580 homes.

A statement from Gladman as part of its evidence said: “The council’s land supply position has been the subject of scrutiny in several recent appeals in the district.

“The appellant has reviewed the council’s latest housing land supply statement, including subsequent revisions and updates, and believes that the claimed supply position of 5.1 years does not reflect the authority’s true deliverable position. When properly scrutinised, the appellant believes the council is in deficit of a deliverable five-year supply of housing land.”

The inquiry will open at 10am on Tuesday October 11 at Braintree District Council offices.

A Braintree Council spokesperson said: “The council’s housing land supply position is published on its website.

“If Gladman wish to challenge that position they will need to do so through their current appeal with the independent planning inspector.”