A PROPOSED extension of Braintree could be turned down if it is not recommended for the Local Plan.

Eight sites were put forward in the district's Call for Sites, in the hope of creating a housing development with retail and leisure opportunities, a new station and town centre shuttle service.

The sites cover 91.2 hectares and could hold 2,000 homes.

They include Millennium Way, Fowlers Farm roundabout and land south of Fowlers Farm, land south of the A120, land east and west of the railway, Tye Green, Braintree Road and Shelley's Lane.

Cressing Parish Council fears the development will join Cressing with Braintree, and there would also be major traffic concerns.

Speaking about Tye Green in a Local Plan Committee agenda, they said: "Traffic queues are already an issue and there are regular accidents on this stretch of road.

"The size of the development would be disproportionate to Tye Green and is not in keeping with the village."

The parish council also saw issues with housing in Shelley's Lane, as it was a nature reserve and is now a woodland area.

Planning officers said the sites have a number of potential constraints on landscape and character.

They said: "Development would significantly reduce the gap between Braintree, and Tye Green Cressing.

"It is unclear as to whether the development would be able to deliver all the infrastructure improvements proposed given the level of development."

They thought development would be difficult at this stage given the uncertainty over potential schemes by the Gateway 120 group to improve the A120 between Braintree and Colchester.

They said: "It is proposed to not allocate the site at this time, but when more detailed information is forthcoming on the improvement scheme to the A120 and Galleys Corner, part of this area may be suitable for potential new retail and commercial development in this location.

"This could build on the success of Freeport and Braintree Retail Park and create a better gateway into Braintree town in this location, providing development does not coalesce with Tye Green Cressing."

Representing Gateway 120 Robert Vestentoft from Cirrus said: "The inclusion of Temple Border would be a real opportunity for Braintree to bring about positive change.

"The alternative is a scatter-gun of development, none of which would support the need for infrastructure improvements and in particular the dualling of the A120.

"We will be seeking urgent dialogue with Braintree Council to understand their thinking and discuss the opportunity to create a carefully planned new community at Temple Border."

The site will be discussed at a Local Plan Committee meeting on Monday, May 9.

Land south of Millennium Way has a planning application which is to be determined for a DIY retail warehouse.

B&Q had proposed to move in, but pulled out of the plans last year.

Braintree Properties LLP said it still planned to go ahead with the application.