A DEVELOPER has unveiled major plans to build 150 homes in a village.

Wallace Land Investments wants to install the new homes on land off School Road, Rayne.

The proposals would see 60 of the homes allocated as affordable housing in an effort to appeal to young families and first time buyers.

Wallace Land says the homes will range in sizes, with the potential to build some bungalows on the new estate.

The developer is in the midst of preparing a formal planning application for the scheme and has entered a screening request to Braintree Council to see if it needs to provide an environmental assessment alongside the blueprints.

In the request, put together by planning experts Turley, it is argued the development has been designed to ensure no harm is caused to the nearby grade II listed monuments, Fairy Hall and Victorian pump.

There are also plans to install an acoustic barrier towards the southern edge of the site as it backs onto the A120 in an effort to curb noise for future residents.

Wallace Land says it does not believe an environmental assessment will be required for the scheme as the land in question is not considered "sensitive".

The screening request adds: "The proposed works would not result in any unusually complex or hazardous environmental effects.

"Having considered the likely effects as a result of the proposed development, we conclude that no significant effects on the environment are likely to arise. The effects of the proposed development will be of local significance only and can be addressed in supporting information which will accompany the planning application."

Included in the plans will be a promise to retain a "strong green buffer" around the edge of the development to ensure it ties in with the countryside setting of Rayne.

Wallace Land has also vowed to create a new public park, children's play area and village green, although it remains unclear if this will be based in the new development or not.

Several public consultations have been held in recent months and once Braintree Council has ruled on the screening request, formal plans are likely to be submitted.