The proposed development on fields between Maltings Lane and the A12 bypass at Witham has been given a mixed welcome.

With 840 homes, plus business premises, it will attract about 3,000 people to the town over the next few years. Criticised as too much too soon by some, it is welcomed by Phil Barlow, Witham Town councillor.

The council sees the 115 acres of homes, business premises and playing fields as essential to the vitality of Witham. "It will help the town to reach a critical mass that will bring other economic benefits," said Mr Barlow.

"This will be a much greener development than previous ones, and will include 10 or 11 acres of social housing, homes which can be let at affordable rents by the council."

It also includes shops and offices, a church, a community hall and possibly a pub. As a condition, the developers have agreed to pay the £3 million to £4 million for the new link road to Hatfield Peverel.

The consortium is paying particular attention to diminishing nuisance caused by the roar of traffic by allowing a 100-metre green space between the road and the nearest homes, building an earth bank, and installing double glazing in the nearest houses.

Braintree Council planners claim the estate will break new ground in integrating new communities by putting homes closer to businesses, and near to its own community facilities. New families will be able to live and play close to where they work, hopefully reducing car trips.

There will be three main residential areas covered by a network of slow-speed roads designed to be safe for cyclists and pedestrians. It is hoped to persuade bus companies to provide small vehicles for "hail and ride" services.

Verges will be wider than usual and planted with trees to enhance the green image. Two full-size football pitches will be laid opposite Witham Lodge, and a play area will be sited so that it can be used by children on their way home from the new school.

The business area is aimed at "prestigious" firms looking for offices and research premises. There will be a determined effort to avoid making it look like the industrial areas north of the town, say planners.

Field work: The site which would take 840 homes and business premises

Converted for the new archive on 19 November 2001. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.