PLANS have been revealed for a new 1,000 home development in Bocking.

Agents Barton Willmore are working on behalf of Gallagher Estates on plans for land east of Broad Road, at Straits Mill, Bocking.

At a consultation event on Wednesday at Bocking Village Club, residents were given a chance to have a closer look at the plans for the site, that has been allocated as part of Braintree Council’s draft Local Plan.

Proposals include a new primary school and an early year’s facility, new community spaces and a small business centre with space for retailers, cafes and restaurants.

Access will be provided by two new entrances to the estate from both Broad Road and the A131.

A spokesman for Gallagher Estates said: "We held a successful and positive exhibition of our Straits Mill proposals at Bocking Village Hall.

“We were able to explain the plans and answer questions from residents, stakeholders and other interested parties on our proposed scheme for the site, which is an emerging allocation in the draft Braintree Local Plan to meet local housing needs.”

Several small businesses are based on an industrial space at Straits Mill.

The developers have said that these businesses would need to vacate their current premises when their leases and tenancy agreements come to an end.

The spokesman said: “We would then work with them to keep them on site for as long as practically possible which would allow them to look for alternative premises.

“We will keep those businesses fully informed of progress on the application.

"There will be land for employment included in our planning application which will be submitted later this year."

John Parrish, a resident of Bocking, spoke on the developers plans at the consultation event.

He said: “I understand houses have got to go somewhere but it is a shame because it is a fantastic wildlife habitat with owls, foxes and badgers.

“I am heartened by the developer talking to us and listening to some of the things we would like done.

“It is important to get the council and the developers to put something back into the community for our grandchildren.”

A planning application is set to be submitted on the proposals in due course.