CONSERVATIONISTS, councillors and community groups have contributed to around 60 objections to build 122 homes.

Gladman Developments has lodged the plans for homes on for two parcels of land on either side of Bakers Lane, Lexden.

If planning officers at Colchester Council recommend the plans are approved, the final decision will be made by the planning committee this spring.

Historic England said the site will have an “adverse impact” upon Moat Farm Dyke, an Iron Age scheduled monument which is close to the site.

Robert Waites, honorary secretary of Braiswick Residents’ Association, said the proposed travel plan for the application was flawed.

In a statement to the council he wrote: “To suppose as the applicant does that the use of cars will be significantly moderated by walking is wishful thinking, particularly as children walking to St Helena’s School via Spring Lane would also have to negotiate either Cymbeline Way or the slip road from the A12.

“In an ideal world, parents would walk primary school age children to the local school and get buses to the shops. However, we are not living in the 1950s.”

The association also claims the proposal is a “flagrant disregard” to Colchester Council’s emerging Local Plan which sets out where homes should be built up to 2032.

Lexden Conservation Group has told the council the proposed development sites are “an important area of open space” which it understands includes a countryside conservation area.

Chairman Mike Baker added: “With the continuing development around Colchester, the retention of such green spaces is becoming increasingly important for access to recreation and nature.

“122 houses will generate a significant increase in vehicle movements in the already busy Bakers Lane and Spring Lane, increasing the danger to the recreational use of the road that provides access to the etwork of footpaths.”

West Bergholt Parish Council has objected on the grounds the plans do not meet the recently adopted Myland and Braiswick Neighbourhood Plan, which will be incorporated into Colchester Council’s Local Plan.

Mile End Liberal Democrat councillors Anne Turrell, Martin Goss, Phil Coleman and Dominic Graham also added: “The only people your proposals would aid would be residents of the 122 houses you want to build. In summary your proposals are premature, disingenuous, inappropriate, opportunist and without foundation or need.”

Other concerns surrounding the scheme, likely to cost more than £13million to deliver, include over-development of north Colchester.

There are 730 homes being built on the former Severalls Hospital site and 1,600 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.

According to the outline plans, two areas of public open space would be developed and access points would be created off Bakers Lane.

A planning statement by Gladman 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.”

Gladman was asked for further comment but it declined.