A BID to build 58 new homes in Rivenhall looks set to be approved despite objects from councils and residents.

Bellway Homes submitted a fresh application to build on the land south off Rickstones Road in May after an initial bid was refused.

In July Witham Town Council and Rivenhall Parish Council objected to the plans fearing existing infrastructure would not cope.

The councils were also concerned it would lead to the coalescence of Witham and Rivenhall.

Now it has been recommended that Braintree Council's planning committee approval the proposals at a meeting which will be held next week.

There had previously been concerns that an important hedgerow would be destroyed to make way for the homes - part of the hedge will be moved and the rest will remain in place.

James Abbott, chairman of Rivenhall Parish Council, said: "I will be standing up and speaking to highlight our objections once again.

"What it does show is the district council were wrong to say the hedge would have to come out."

The meeting will take place at Causeway House on Tuesday, September 11, at 7.15pm.