Another preferred bidder has been chosen for controversial land in Halstead.

In February, it was announced a company who had been interested in land east of the high street has pulled out.

On Wednesday the consortium who own the land have said another preferred bidder has been selected.

A spokesman for the Salvation Army Housing Association, which owns most of the land, said: “An agreement has been reached for this piece of land and we are now going through the legal process.

“Due to commercial sensitivity we cannot provide any further details at this stage.”

Braintree Council also confirmed this.

The land has been allocated as mixed use.

Despite this, campaign group Halstead 21st Century are still hoping the land, which a wildlife haven and contains several air raid shelters, could be turned into a community and heritage open space.