SEVERAL small businesses in Great Yeldham could be forced to relocate after a planning application to build 26 new homes was submitted.

Boyer is seeking to build new homes at Woodpecker Court off Poole Street.

The site is home to five industrial unit, a two storey building and the vacant Cherrytree Cottage.

All of the buildings presently on site would be demolished to make way for the development.

Though some of the industrial units are empty, Em’s Laundry Service and Hedingham Autos will be forced to move to another site.

The owner of Em’s Laundry Service said: “It won’t be a problem because the owner has promised to move us to another unit in the village.

“We should get a bigger space as well.”

Of the 26 new homes that would be built, 40 per cent would be allocated to social housing tenants.

A community orchard will also be grown as part of the plans and two different access points to the site would be provided for vehicles.

In a report submitted to Braintree Council, Boyer acknowledged the development would reduce employment facilities in Great Yeldham.

However, the company said the introduction of new residents would see more money spent in nearby shops.

The company has claimed the impact on the employment space would not be excessive.

The application read: “The development would provide short-term jobs during the construction of the development. Future residents would also support local shops and other businesses.

“It is recognised there would be loss of employment facilities, however the largest unit has been vacant for some time, and the other units are coming to the end of their life span.

“The negative impacts in terms of the loss of employment would be minimal.”

A spokesman for the developer added: “The proposal for 26 dwellings was put together with a view to improving the landscape of the area as well providing some much needed housing.

Great Yeldham Parish Council are expected to discuss the plans during a monthly meeting held in the reading rooms in Great Yeldham Village Hall, High Street on December 7, at 7.30pm.

The parish council was contacted for comment but said it would respond following the meeting. 

Boyer has offered to send representatives to the meeting on December 7, however, their attendance has yet to be confirmed with the Great Yeldham Parish Council.