OBJECTIONS have flooded in against plans to build 230 homes on part of a former golf course.

Bellway Homes is seeking outline planning permission for a new development on land off Rectory Lane in Rivenhall.

Part of the site was once used by the nearby golf centre and is also made up of farmland and woodland.

But the scheme has been met with fierce opposition, with 22 letters of objection submitted in the space of two weeks.

The majority of objections have come from residents in nearby Rickstones Road who say the gap between the village of Rivenhall and Witham has already become too small.

One said: "We had a natural boundary between Witham and Rivenhall which has already been eroded by the current development opposite the school playing field.

"The development on the school playing field itself along with the monstrous building which is the academy has given the whole area an urban feel.

"This was once a small peaceful village.

"This development will be another nail in the coffin for our lovely village."

Another resident in Rickstones Road added in their objection letter: "The local roads and services are already stretched to the limit with all the developments in Witham, Rivenhall and Silver End, and with this further development they could well reach breaking point."

Rivenhall Parish Council is also objecting to the proposals, which it says could have a detrimental impact upon Rectory Lane, particularly during the construction phase.

Part of the road is under Protected Quiet Lane status as it forms part of the John Ray walking route.

Bellway has suggested residents living in the new development would be given sustainable transport options, including the introduction of new walking and cycling routes.

But a report commissioned by the Rickstones Road Action Group suggests the new homes would be too far away from amenities and require residents to use their cars on a frequent basis.

The report also claims buses will be unable to access the development as suggested by Bellway because of safety concerns over blind corners.

No objections have been raised by statutory consultees such as Anglian Water and Highways England.

Braintree Council will have the final say on the application.