Halstead 31 homes plans return as developers re-submit plans

Halstead New Homes are looking to develop the site on land to the east of Halstead High Street, next to where the old Courtaulds silk factory used to be.

The factory, which produced parachutes during the Second World War, was a potential target for bomber attacks, so 15 underground air raid shelters were built, along with a warden’s hut.

The site also contains a number of protected trees.

The site is partially within two Halstead conservation areas and has no public access to the deteriorating air raid shelters.

One of the old air raid shelters in Halstead (Image: Public)

The shelters, which planners say are often subject fly tipping and anti-social behaviour, are in varying conditions, from "bad to extreme disrepair”.

Last October, Braintree Council refused the same plans, for reasons relating to heritage, design, ecology, affordable housing and financial contributions.

Plans have been re-submitted with changes.

The scheme once again proposes 31 new homes, each with its own parking and amenity areas.

It includes the retention of ten air raid shelters, two of which would become a “Second World War experience”.

The wardens hut would also be retained, which developers hope to convert into an information and visitor centre and cafe to celebrate the site.

Plans still include the removal of five air raid shelters, although the plans outline changes in surface material which will be used to identify where they were.

Objections to the previous plans included concerns raised by residents such as loss of wildlife habitat, increased traffic congestion, parking, overdevelopment, the need for 31 homes and the impact on the town's heritage.

Similar concerns have been raised once again, with various objections already made over the new proposals.

Braintree Council will rule on the plans.