Braintree Flitch Way homes to go before planning committee

First Oak Partnership submitted the bid, with proposals offering a mix of 80 per cent shared shared ownership and 20 per cent affordable rent options.

The plans will go before the Braintree Council's Planning Committee on January 23.

The site is a triangular plot of agricultural land located north of the Flitch Way and south of Rayne Road.

The proposals aim to address a "need for quality family homes in Braintree".

Developers say they are targeting first-time buyers, with 59 units specifically earmarked for them through a shared ownership arrangement.

In addition to the new homes, the submitted plans also propose pedestrian and cycle links as a way of ensuring convenient access for residents.

A spokesman for First Oak Partnership said: "We believe that these attractive and affordable family homes are precisely what the community needs in Braintree. 

“Recognising the scarcity of opportunities for first-time buyers or good places for people to rent in the area, our scheme which contains 100 per cent affordable housing is a significant step towards addressing this need.”

The Flitch Way (Image: Newsquest)

However, the plans have been controversial with residents, due to the love of 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.

Braintree Council will rule on the plans.