DEVELOPERS are continuing their push for 74 homes near a much-loved area of Braintree countryside after appealing against a council's refusal and also submitting new and revised plans.
First Oak Partnerships is looking to build the houses on land south of Springfields and north of the Flitch Way.
The green space has been at the centre of a planning debate for years, with the Brook Green proposals sparking concerns among the community for months.
The plans, which included up to 1,600 homes, a community centre, primary school, employment land and public open space, were refused in December 2017 before an appeal was later launched and heard in September 2018.
Campaigners, known as the No Brook Green Action Group, claimed victory after a government inspector ruled against the proposals.
However, plans have since granted on appeal to build a smaller 120-home development at Gilda Terrace, near the Flitch Way.
The latest plans for 74 homes were unveiled last year and were refused by Braintree Council in October.
Developers have since launched an appeal against the refusal and launched a new, slightly revised proposal.
The appeal has been submitted, with a hearing scheduled for a later date.
The new proposals, put to the council at the end of last year, have received several objections from residents.
Developers say the new scheme is a resubmission, but the proposals have been revised following an earlier refusal.
The application says: “The revised scheme has sought to address the concerns raised with the previous scheme, ensuring the illustrative masterplan responds positively to stakeholder feedback.”
Plans once again comprise a triangular area of agricultural land north of Flitch Way and south of Rayne Road, with proposals for 74 homes outlined.
The Friends of the Flitch Way - a volunteer group helping to maintain and improve areas for the benefit of the community, - has expressed its concerns over the latest update.
Trustee and secretary Sandra Reynolds said: “We are very disappointed they are taking this to the Planning Inspector.
“The proposals would have a major impact on the character and appearance of the Flitch Way.
“Rest assured, we will be at the hearing and emphasising how important the Flitch Way is to the community.”
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