CONTROVERSIAL plans to build 22 new homes in Halstead have taken a hit after councillors objected to proposals.

An application submitted to Braintree Council planners outlines a bid to bring 22 homes to land east of Cherry Tree Close in the north-east of Halstead.

As wells as the 22 homes, which are expected to be range from two to four bedrooms, the plans would see 50 new car parking spaces and an entry road built.

The plans were submitted by Eastlight Community Homes which was formed this year following a merger between Colne Housing and Greenfields Community Housing.

The site was granted permission to build 20 homes back in 2017 but the application has since expired.

However, Eastlight acquired the land after their merger with the plot being picked up by Greenfields Community Housing in 2019.

The bid was handed a blow by councillors last week following their town council meeting on Monday 9 November.

Councillors voted unanimously to object to the application.

While their objection doesn't outright block the application, their opinion will be take in to consideration when Braintree Council vote on the plans.

The council's decision seemed likely with the town in a period of heightened concerns over overdevelopment in the town.

Residents fear the recent influx of new applications, such as the bid to bring 130 homes to Mount Hill, will have a serious impact on the town's infrastructure.

Following the vote, the town's mayor Mick Radley delivered a message to residents addressing their concerns.

He said: “Councillors are becoming increasingly concerned about the rate of housing growth in Halstead and it’s impact upon the infrastructure of the town.

"In particular the impact upon school places, doctors surgery capacity and congestion in the road networks in and around the town.

"The council will continue to review each planning application on its merit but in doing so be mindful of the impact it will have on the overall infrastructure of the town and make comments to the Braintree District Council planning authority as appropriate.

"At a recent meeting the council decided to look into the cost and feasibility of producing a Neighbourhood Plan as a means of communicating and influencing planning in the future.”