Controversial plans to build 20 emergency housing units on a site in Braintree have been approved.

The development on the corner of Rayne Road and Francis Road is opposed by residents who say the scheme for homeless people will bring drugs, crime and anti-social behaviour to the area.

Ian Hicks, 36, whose house in Francis Road borders the site, said: “It is emergency social housing so the people living there may have problems, issues, and may be at their lowest ebb in life.

“I appreciate they have got to be somewhere, but with an estimated two to three month turnaround on 20 units that means I will have between 80 and 120 different neighbours every year.”

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