FINAL details for more than 160 new homes on the site of a derelict golf course and former equestrian centre have been given the go-ahead.

The plans are the second residential phase of a wider development at Towerlands Park, on the outskirts of Braintree, of 575 homes, with a nursery, and retail and community facilities, which already has outline permission.

The planning committee met on Tuesday night, February 14, to vote on Dandara Eastern’s plans for 162 homes in Panfield Road.

Dandara's Michael Smith told the meeting: “The scheme to address the reserve matters for the second residential phase will continue the delivery of a new neighbourhood which follows the approved design code, to create a high quality, aspirational, beautiful place where tomorrow’s families can thrive, happily and safely.”

Councillor Gabrielle Spray (Con, The Colnes) said there was “much to like” about the development and that she is pleased the site is starting to improve.

But Councillor James Abbott (Green, Silver End and Cressing) criticised the design of porch lights proposed in the development and others in the area.

He said: “Given that we’ve got thousands of houses which are going to be built in the next few years, that’s potentially thousands of these lights shining straight up, which wastes 50 per cent of their energy, are terrible for biodiversity and are adding light pollution in the sky.”

He later said: “I think they’re fashionable and they’re being done for effect, but in terms of sustainability they’re horrendous.”

Councillor David Mann (Labour, Bocking) said the site had been allocated for development in the council’s Local Plan. But he raised concern about the impact on traffic and the “considerable” loss of 154 trees.

He said: “I’m still uncomfortable with the cumulative impact of traffic on the village of Panfield, on Bocking Church Street and the impact on the very narrow Panfield lane.”

The trees lost to development are expected to be replanted, according to a council report.

An ecological mitigation area was approved in March 2022, the first phase of the residential scheme in April and a new community building in November.

The first phase of the development is already being built and is expected to be ready for new families to move into this summer.