Plan for homes in Layer de la Haye to be approved by council

The bid to redevelop agricultural land off The Folley in Layer de la Haye is to be debated by Colchester Council’s planning committee, with officers recommending the blueprints are approved.

The land is allocated for the construction of “at least 35” properties as part of the council’s plan for almost 16,000 homes to be built in the city between 2017 and 2033.

Councillors will decide if housebuilder Denbury Homes’ proposals, which include a different access point to what has been pre-approved in the local plan, are acceptable.

Site - land off The Folley, Layer de la Haye, is earmarked for development (Image: Google)

A children’s play area – another requirement set out in the local plan – is not included in the blueprints because of “local objections”.

The council has already approved two earlier outline applications for homes to be built on the site, with the latest application bringing those proposals together.

Despite the outline plans previously being given the nod, more than 50 residents have written to Colchester Council to object to the latest application.

Layer de la Haye Parish Council said it is “particularly pleased that the development includes 24 affordable homes” but raised concerns that 70 new homes “will adversely affect road safety in the village”.

Village - residents in Layer de la Haye are unhappy about the proposed development (Image: Bikeboy)

One resident wrote: “An increase in noise pollution from the traffic generated by this development will also have a devastating, negative impact on this important wildlife site, as could the extra light pollution from the proposed dwellings and associated traffic.”

Another said: “We object in principal as Layer has always been a small quiet village that does not have the infrastructure to support an additional 70 properties.

“The village school and doctors are both oversubscribed and parking outside both, at times, impedes traffic flow. We also have a very limited bus service.”

One frustrated neighbour called the plans “a ridiculous idea” which would “ruin our village”.

“The infrastructure is not in place and all amenities are currently overloaded,” they said. “Someone actually needs to look at if the sewerage, electricity and gas can actually support this.”

The committee will make a decision at a meeting next Thursday.