RESIDENTS have cried out in protest against "mad" changes to a busy road.

Essex Highways is working on improvements to Braintree Road in Witham, and plan to include a filter lane near the Morrisons roundabout.

The changes are in preparation for proposals to build 350 homes on land off Forest Road, as the site was approved for development in the Local Plan.

Peter Gray, a resident, called the council "ignorant", saying it would be impossible to get of his and his disabled wife's drive.

Mr Gray, 73, said: "There will be 350 extra cars, does that sound sensible? It doesn't make sense.

"It can't take any more traffic yet they still propose to build 350 homes in a town that's choc-a-bloc. It's absolute madness.

"It's the ignorance of them all. Where does it end in this town?

"It will be impossible for me to get in and out, I intend to fight this to the end."

Christopher Bailey, who lives in Chipping Hill just off of Braintree Road, said traffic has no choice but to go over the Morrisons roundabout.

He said: "It's very busy in the evenings as traffic is coming towards Braintree and it seems to hold traffic all the way up to Chipping Hill.

"It certainly would benefit from something being done as the extra houses will add to the traffic.

"Morrisons takes all the traffic heading in and out of Braintree as there is no secondary route. What we really need is a way of getting through to Braintree without going through the Town Centre but no one is prepared to build the infrastructure."

A spokesperson for Essex Highways said: “Junction improvements at the Morrisons roundabout in Witham were secured as part of a Section 278 agreement for the Forest Road planning application, with the developer to fully fund the works. The proposed development is for 350 homes off Forest Road Witham.

"A filter lane north of the B1018 leading into Braintree Road is proposed. Should the development go ahead, the works are to be fully constructed upon occupation of the 100th home. It is not yet known when the developer will start on site or when the occupation of the 100th home will be.”