A 292-house development in Halstead is moving closer to fruition.

The outline planning application to build the new estate, in Oak Road, Halstead, was approved by Braintree Council in September.

Geoffrey Waterer, one of the landowners, said: “Basic permission has been given for the development.

“That wasn’t the end of it as there are a few other things that need to be sorted out.

“Currently, there is digging going on to make there are no complications with any archaeological remains.

“Things will become clearer in February when that is done.

“We also need to make clear how the Section 106 money will be made.

“Currently, we are trying to get developers interested in the site.

“Several of the leading ones for the country are asking for information.”

He said there was a lot of interest from developers already, as it “was a very good site”.

Once the section 106 agreement is in place and the archaeological survey has been done, a developer will be chosen to design the houses and plan the layout in greater detail.

This then needs to be passed by Braintree Council once more before building can begin.

Currently, the plans include up to 292 houses - some of which would be affordable - a convenience store, open space and playground.

There was mass opposition to the outline application, with nearby residents concerned about the impact on the traffic, doctor’s surgery and schools.

Other plans are also currently under consideration by the council.

In October, an application for 104 houses at the Central Park site, off Colchester Road, was submitted A further 24 houses are planned for Cherry Tree Close and 25 for Balls Chase.