A controversial bid to build nearly 40 homes in Halstead is back on the table after previously being refused.

Cabotlane Ltd wants permission to build a development of 39 new homes on land off Oak Road.

Plans were originally submitted to Braintree Council in 2021.

The application divided opinion with Halstead Town Council among those strongly objecting to the plans.

Concerns were raised over Oak Road being a single lane track which “could not sustain multiple car and lorry drivers”.

The application was refused by Braintree Council in May last year.

Now, plans have been resubmitted, with the developers arguing that refusal would be “unreasonable”.

The application says: “The council’s most recent housing position statement reveals a shortfall in housing supply.

“As it cannot show a five-year housing land supply, a presumption in favour of sustainable development is triggered.

“The council refused a similar application at this site in May 2022.

“However, the case officer at that time believed that the council could show a five-year housing land supply and indicated in the committee report that objecting to this proposal in principle was not sustainable.

“The council has granted similar applications nearby, including 100 houses immediately to the west and 80 houses immediately to the east.

“It would be unreasonable to refuse permission for 39 houses on the application site just a few months after approving 80 houses on the site next door.

It continued: “The new application provides additional planning argument in respect of the council’s first reason for refusal, and additional information on drainage, protected species and the protected tree.

“The applicant is willing to enter into a Section 106 legal agreement to secure the planning obligations that the council has requested.”

The application also claims the proposed development would have “no significant effect on the character of the area or the nearby countryside” and would “promote sustainable development patterns in the context of the area in which it is located”.

“It would make a positive contribution to the overall housing supply in Braintree and would bring some economic and social benefits,” it added.

The 39 homes would be a mix of detached houses, semi-detached houses and flats.

Braintree Council will rule on the proposals.