A PLANNING inspector will rule on plans for 90 homes in Black Notley after a developer launched an appeal.

Gladman Developments launched the action due to Braintree Council’s “non-determination” of its plans for land off Brain Valley Avenue.

The plans were submitted in December last year and were expected to be decided by August, but the council did not meet this deadline.

An inspector appointed by the Secretary of State will now hold an inquiry later this month.

Developers Gladman wants to demolish a number of farm outbuildings and build 90 new homes in Black Notley.

The planning report said: “The proposal would introduce up to 90 dwellings in the countryside adjacent to another village with limited services and facilities.

“While a footway link exists into Braintree, this route is long, unattractive and does not feel overly safe owing to narrow footway widths and vehicle speeds.

“Moreover, while some public transport facilities exist, most trips to access services and facilities would likely be by the private motor vehicle owing to the frequency of these services, distance and the unattractiveness of walking to the railway station.

“The proposal due to its scale and location, would result in an unacceptable urbanisation of the lower Brain Valley slopes that could not be reasonably mitigated, thus having a detrimental impact the landscape character area of the Brain Valley and wider countryside.”

The bid received strong opposition from residents, with Black Notley Parish Council also objecting to it.

Some of the reasons were due to the land being unstable for development due to flooding, the impact on wildlife, increased traffic, and the number of homes on the site.

The inquiry will be held at Causeway House, Braintree, on December 14 starting at 10am.