PLANS to build more than 1,000 houses on the edge of Bocking have been scaled back due to “capacity concerns”.

Gallagher Estates is now seeking outline planning permission to build up to 1,000 homes on a brownfield site to the east of Broad Street, called Straits Mill, following conversations with planning officers.

The developer had originally submitted an application to build 1,050 homes on the site but has now revised the scheme after holding talks with Braintree Council.

The plans still include provision for a new primary school and early years facilities, new community spaces and a small business centre with space for retailers, cafes and restaurants.

Gallagher Estates argues the development will be self-reliant and will provide quality housing for the district.

But more than 50 letters of objection have been submitted to Braintree Council over the application since it was first submitted in July last year.

Terry Surrey, chairman of Bocking and High Garret Residents Association Group, has admitted objectors will focus their attention on the number of homes being proposed, rather than arguing against the principle of the development itself.

He said: “Residents are astounded at the amount being suggested. We know the council is fighting hard against these ad-hoc developments but I think most people accept this is going to happen because it is a brownfield site.

“There are very little planning arguments against this application so we can complain all we want but there are no sensible reasons to refuse this.

“But we do share officers’ concerns about overdevelopment and that is what we will be watching closely.”

Mr Surrey says the main worry for residents is the number of homes being planned for Bocking and Braintree.

Plans to build 825 homes off Panfield Lane have already been approved and there are also proposals to build 575 homes at the former Towerlands golf course.

Mr Surrey said: “Our biggest problem is the number of applications going in at the moment.

“At this rate, Bocking and High Garrett is just going to become a gridlocked area because nothing is being done about the roads.

“The whole place is starting to lose its appeal because of the number of speculative developments and the amount of houses being crammed in. No one seems to be looking at the whole picture.”