PLANS to build 80 new homes and a new Scout hut on farmland are set to get the green light.

An outline bid to develop on 32 acres of land off Nayland Road, Great Horkesley, will go before Colchester Council next week.

The site surrounds Great Horkesley Manor Care Home, a 72-bed care home.

Also in the plans are two public open spaces fronting on to Nayland Road, an allotment, a car park for the Scout hut and new access.

There would be pedestrian crossings over Nayland Road, which forms part of the A134 between Colchester and Suffolk.

The applicant and landowner Kathryn De La Garza is in talks with Essex County Council to contribute to creating a shared pedestrian and cycle path between the site and Mile End and to help get the speed limit reduced on Nayland Road from 60mph to 40mph.

The land has also been identified for up to 80 homes in Colchester Council’s Local Plan.

The bid was also supported by Great Horkesley Parish Council although protesters have raised concerns about the impact of more homes on the village.

Now officers have recommended the bid is approved by Colchester Council’s planning committee.

A report said: “The proposal is considered to meet these objectives as it would contribute towards the number of dwellings required to support growth in Great Horkesley and is located within walking distance of a number of key services and facilities required for day-to-day living.

“The proposal will provide housing in a sustainable location so future residents would not be reliant on private cars, being able to walk or use public transport to access necessary services and facilities, thereby minimising environmental impacts; ecological enhancements can also be secured as part of the development.”

The council had received seven letters of objection raising concerns about traffic and the potential for making the A134 more dangerous.