A DECISION on a bid to build 1,600 homes and a primary school has been delayed for a third time.

An outline application to build on Brook Green was submitted more than a year ago in December 2015.

Highways England has now pushed the application back until March, having done so previously in February and September last year for further assessments to take place.

The controversial plans to build the homes, a local centre, primary school, employment land, open space and highway works on nearly 50 hectares of land have so far attracted 300 objection comments, along with a protest March.

Many have objected on the grounds that 1,120 flats and 480 homes would be visible from a great distance and result in damage to the Flitch Way and surrounding countryside.

A comment added by campaign group No Brook Green said: “It is accepted that there has to be homes built to meet Government targets but it is essential that the right locations be selected to do this.

"It is rejected that there is any credible evidence of net benefit to the community. It is a wholly unsuitable site.”

To view the application visit publicaccess.braintree.gov.uk and use reference 15/01538/OUT.