An estate of affordable homes has been approved for a brownfield site in East Braintree.

The 49 two and three bedroomed terraced houses will be built on Braintree Council's Hay Lane depot as part of the area's regeneration plan.

Plans for the development, by Beazer Homes, were approved by the council's area planning committee on Tuesday.

Councillors agreed with an officer's report that the scheme met the needs for affordable housing in the area.

The report stated: "This is a relatively high density scheme, but this is considered to be in accordance with the character of the locality and makes best use of this developed site in the urban area."

The council depot, home to the refuse collection vehicle fleet, will be moved to the new Lakes industrial park.

Beazer has also agreed to provide public open space and a play area.

Cllr Elwyn Bishop said: "This is long overdue. The people who live in this area have suffered noise, pollution and heavy vehicle movements for many years."

Cllr David Mann added: "This application assists the improvement of the environment of East Braintree."

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