THE PUBLIC can now have their say on 5,000 homes proposed for the district.

At a special meeting of Braintree Council on Monday, councillors approved the draft local plan to be published for public consultation.

Five strategic growth sites were put forward as part of a new policy with Colchester and Tendring councils.

Proposed garden communities also fall under this policy.

Up to 2,000 of the homes could be built on one of the sites east of Great Notley.

There would be employment opportunities, schools, NHS facilities, public open spaces and food and retail outlets.

Jackie Smith, from Black Notley Parish Council, raised concerns about traffic and access.

She said: "This area provides access to the countryside and part should be retained for a country park if plans are to go ahead.

"Even with a planned new road system where will all the traffic head?

"If this site goes ahead there must be a reduction in the density of housing."

James Abbott, Silver End councillor, suggested an amendment should be made to remove access to Bakers Lane from the plans.

He said: "Bakers Lane has very significant existing problems and there will have to be substantial mitigation- there is a number of listed buildings there and it's a well known rat run."

Council leader Graham Butland also had reservations about the site, he opposed the amendment but agreed with some of Mr Abbott's points.

Lady Patricia Newton, who is on the local plan sub committee, said concerns were coming too early.

She said: "I do understand the concerns, it's a large allocation, however I do think the proposed amendment is premature.

"Any plans would need to be approved by the highways authority, there's no evidence any access onto Bakers Lane is unacceptable."

A similar development for 1,000 homes has been proposed for land east of Broad Road in Braintree.

Up to 600 homes could also be built at the former Towerlands Park site with access from Deanery Hill and Panfield Lane.

Plans would include a primary school, community facilities and shops.

Land in Feering has been proposed for 1,000 new homes, employment facilities, a primary school or community centre, shops and NHS facilities.

Katherine Evans, from Feering Parish Council, said the A12 would need improving before any homes are built.

She said: "Traffic through Feering all has to go through Kelvedon High Street- it's narrow and in a conservation area.

"Addition of extra housing will make congestion considerably worse. We request the A12 Kelvedon and Feering north junction be made a four way junction with southbound London slips.

"We need the infrastructure improvements now before the homes. We don't know what the A12 improvements are going to be."

Witham could also see up to 450 new homes at Wood End Farm as well as open space, play space and allotments.

Lynette Bowers-Flint, chair of local plan committee, said it had looked carefully at the 360 sites put forward.

She said: "The committee has chosen sites it believes are sustainable, viable and deliverable. Many difficult decisions have had to be made but the necessary infrastructure and services like new health services can be provided to support the new and existing communities.

"The district council has taken the bold step to work collaboratively and share a strategic section of policies."

Fellow district councillor David Mann said at this stage no area of search should be ruled out for new settlements, and the council should keep options open.

Public consultations for the Witham sites will be held on June 29 and 30 at Witham Public Hall.