PLANS to build homes and demolish a church are a step closer after being backed by councillors.

Halstead Town Council has offered no objection to plans to demolish Parkfields Baptist Church.

The derelict site, which is located on the corner of White Horse Avenue and Conies Road, has been earmarked for four homes.

Braintree Council gave permission for plans in April but developers were forced to make changes.

The interior size of the homes had to be increased so they would meet national space standards.

It meant the developers once again have to apply for planning permission from Braintree Council.

The site has been the target of development bids for a number of years.

Permission for three homes was granted in 2013 but the building now looks set to make way for four semi-detached homes.

The town council had previously opposed the plans due to concerns over overdevelopment, but it had no problem with demolishing the church, which is considered an eyesore by many.

But due to the original application being passed by the planning committee, the changes to the application were not opposed by Halstead councillors.

It means the plans will now go to Braintree Council for a final verdict. A date for the committee meeting is yet to be set.