A three-week inquiry into controversial plans for 1,500 homes between Braintree and Rayne has started.

An iconic beauty spot, wildlife corridor and walking route could be asphalted if the development is given the go ahead, it can be revealed.

On Tuesday, planning inspector Richard Clegg opened a planning inquiry re-examining Acorn Braintree’s plans for Brook Green, either side of the Flitch Way in Rayne.

The 12-day inquiry will hear updated evidence from the developer, who is seeking to overturn Braintree Council’s decision to reject its original plans for 1,600 homes, a primary school, community centre, retail and employment space.

Among the changes proposed in the amended plans is the reduction in the number of homes to 1,500 – 30 per cent of which will be affordable.

Acorn Braintree has also submitted a new report produced with sustainable transport charity Sustrans which calls for the historic Flitch Way railway route and wildlife corridor to be resurfaced at a cost of £1.25million.

Christopher Katkowski, representing Acorn Braintree, said: “Amongst other things, Sustrans has recommended the Flitch Way should be resurfaced with a sealed surface to better allow all-weather use. Sustrans’ standard material is tarmac, although there are other options.”

He said Acorn Braintree would pay for much of the recommended work, including resurfacing a 2.6km section at a cost of £530,000.

But the plans have met with major opposition from residents and campaign group No Brook Green.

Representing the campaigners, Lisa Glancey said: “We feel one of the biggest impacts of the development is the new proposals to widen the Flitch Way to three metres and tarmac it. This report never formed part of the environmental impact assessment.”

Acorn Braintree also argues a “major setback” to Braintree Council’s Local Plan means the 1,500 homes are needed more now than ever.

Mr Katkowski said: “The council has insufficient housing sites and is lagging behind in meeting the need for market and affordable homes.

“Meanwhile the council’s strategy, as set out in its new Local Plan, for how to deal with these sorts of issues has suffered a major setback at the hands of the independent inspector tasked to examine its soundness.”

Planning inspector Roger Clews sent Braintree Council back to the drawing board with its garden communities plans earlier this year.

However, both Mrs Glancey and Braintree Council argued the proposals should be rejected by Mr Clegg.

“To suggest no five-year supply gives carte blanche to predatory developments is simply wrong,” Mrs Glancey said.

“The proposal demonstrated is unacceptable in planning terms.

“This development does not address the short term needs of the population. We know housing is needed, but not at the cost of villages maintaining their identities.”

Hundreds of residents submitted written objections to the initial plans and thousands signed a petition against the development.