CONTROVERSIAL plans for more than new 120 homes have been submitted, despite the land not being earmarked for housing.

Gladman Developments want to build 122 homes on two parcels of land on either side of Bakers Lane, Colchester.

According to the outline plans, 25 per cent of the homes built would be designated as affordable housing, two areas of public open space would be developed and access points would be created off Bakers Lane.

But the land is not in Colchester Council's local plan, and has been discounted from appearing in the emerging plan which will govern development in the borough over the next 15 years.

A planning statement on behalf of the developers says the development would be an extension of the current Braiswick development.

It said: "This proposal would be deliverable in the short term and increase the supply and choice of housing on the edge of an inherently sustainable settlement.

"The site is clearly well related to Braiswick and will be read as an extension to this settlement.

"The development would contribute towards economic growth and have wider social benefits to the community, meeting a range of housing requirements, including affordable housing."

Critics of the scheme, which is likely to cost more than £13million to deliver, believe too much development has been scheduled for northern Colchester with 730 homes being built on the former Severalls Hospital site and 1,600 new homes on land off Nayland Road and Boxted Road, known as Chesterwell.

Concerns have also been raised about the increase in traffic on nearby Bergholt Road, and the impact on Colchester North Station.

Colchester Council aims to have a decision on the plans by April 28.