BLUEPRINTS have been submitted to build almost 200 homes in a village as part of plans to fund a new health centre.

City & Country has submitted three linked planning applications for different sites in Great Bentley, totalling 190 homes.

The developers have resubmitted previously refused plans for 75 homes on land north of Thorrington Road and plans for 75 homes on land west of Plough Road, which includes public open space, landscaping and infrastructure.

But a third application for up to 40 homes on land south of Thorrington Road has now been submitted.

That includes the provision of a new health centre, as well as additional site for Great Bentley Primary School and public open space.

Half of the new homes on the site would be affordable homes, including starter homes.

David Fletcher, of agents Strutt and Parker, said the plans should be considered in “exceptional light” given the social benefits planned for the village as a result.

He added: “The reason the three applications are required to be interlinked is to secure the delivery of the new health centre.

“The health centre will be up to 1,000sqm and is required as the existing doctor’s surgery in Great Bentley is over-subscribed and not capable of being extended to meet the modern day needs of the surgery.

“The new doctor’s surgery will require significant capital expenditure for its construction.

“By delivering the surgery as part of a bigger scheme its provision can be ensured and it will benefit from economies of scale in its construction.

“Due to high costs associated with the new doctor’s surgery, new housing development at land to the north of Thorrington Road and land to the west of Plough Road will be required to secure the delivery and building of the surgery on the site.”

The Protect Great Bentley group previously objected the initial proposals for homes in Thorrington Road and Plough Road.

Residents have also objected to the plans.

Fiona Bodmer, of Thorrington Road, said: ”Great Bentley has around 300 houses already agreed. The village of Great Bentley neither needs or wants more houses.”

“Parking in the village, especially around the school is already dangerous, with up to 20 cars waiting at the level crossing outside the school in each direction at peak times.

“Further expansion of the village is unacceptable and this application should be refused.”

David Gollifer, of Weeley Road, added: “Great Bentley already has sufficient houses planned for future development, and more will destroy the rural nature of the village and lead to urbanisation.”