Bid for 200 Halstead homes recommended for approval

Developers Gladman could see their bid for housing on land at Bournebridge Hill granted next Tuesday.

Braintree Council will hold its planning committee meeting and decide the fate of the development.

Plans were first submitted in 2019 and would see the housing development built off the A131.

The development would include 200 homes, with 30 per cent as affordable housing, a public open space and a children’s play area.

Access to the site would be via a priority junction to be constructed directly off the A131.

The application has received more than 100 objectionss, including one from Halstead Town Council.

The council outlined numerous issues but the main problem is the site’s proximity to Halstead, despite not being in the Halstead parish.

Located in the Greenstead Green parish, it means residents would use Halstead infrastructure and amenities but without having to fund them.

Other issues raised included overdevelopment, poor access to the A131, and the site being located on land earmarked for the long-awaited Halstead bypass.

However, the report states that while the corridor of safeguarded land for the bypass passes through the site, the application goes beyond simply safeguarding land for the construction of a bypass and provides the first stretch of road and the ability for a roundabout to be constructed to provide access to the bypass off the A131.

Now the planning bid has been given a boost after it was recommended for approval by planning officers.

The report says: “When considering the flat planning balance and having regard to the adverse impacts and benefits, officers have concluded the benefits of the proposal outweigh the adverse impacts.

“Consequently it is recommended planning permission is granted for the proposed development.”

Officers said the pros of the development include infrastructure improvements, economic and social benefits, location and access to services and facilities, and delivery of affordable housing.