Appeal on St Andrew's Road development sparks renewed bid to block homes in Halstead

Parkland Developments has launched an appeal after Braintree Council failed to made a decision on the proposed estate, of the High Street, by the deadline.

Helen Wolf, of the Halstead 21st Century Group, said the group was “surprised” to hear of the appeal.

“We’ve already submitted a group objection.” she said.

“This is a very sensitive site, so we think this is not the right type of planning appeal.

“The issues are too complex and there’s far too much public interest for the Planning Inspectorate to reach their conclusion on written representations alone.

“In our opinion, the decision needs to be made in public so that local residents can attend.”

The group, which was set up to preserve the town’s heritage, wants people to object to the appeal.

“It is possible that this appeal will go to a public hearing or inquiry – if enough public interest is shown.” Helen said.

“The residents we’ve spoken to have been very keen for this appeal to be determined in public.”

Parkland Developments lodged the appeal after a decision should have been made by Braintree Council by February 21.

Council planning boss Gabrielle Spray said the council received the application in November for outline planning permission.

He said: “The site has numerous constraints and officers were concerned about the scale of the proposed development.

“Having considered the information supplied by the applicant, the council formally notified the developer that they would need to supply additional information to the council in order that there could be a thorough understanding of the site and the proposed development.

“Initially the applicant indicated that they would provide the requested information, but they have subsequently decided that they do not want to supply additional information and have instead appealed to the Planning Inspectorate on the grounds that the council has not determined the application.

“The council are disappointed that the applicant has acted prematurely, but intends to robustly defend the appeal.

“Members of the public who have registered objections to the application will be formally notified about the appeal process in due course.”

Halstead 21st Century Group is hosting an information session for residents this Saturday at the Bull Inn between 10am and 1.30pm.