PLANS to build 120 new homes in Wivenhoe could be set to get the green light as planning bosses prepare to hold talks this week.

Colchester Council will hold a meeting to discuss the plans on Thursday.

Developers are seeking permission to build the new homes on land at Broadfields in the town.

The plans were referred to the planning committee by Wivenhoe councillor Mark Cory due to concerns the bid “contravenes numerous Wivenhoe Neighbourhood Plan policies.”

However, the plan has been given a boost after a committee report prior to the meeting recommended the application be granted.

The bid has also stirred a response from residents with the application receiving 31 objection comments.       

Reasons for their objections include ruining the area, road safety fears, traffic concerns, parking, wildlife harm, not complying with neighbourhood plan policy, and impact on town infrastructure.

In the report, planning officers said: “It is accepted that this scheme does not comply fully with the Wivenhoe neighbourhood plan policy.

“A refusal of the scheme because of the deviations from the NP would not be sustainable at appeal and would not deliver the much-needed houses and the other significant social and environmental benefits.”