RESIDENTS in an Essex village have claimed building a new housing estate in the countryside could cause them “misery” and fill their neighbourhood with dirt and traffic.

Objections submitted to Uttlesford Council over the plans to build 72 houses in the village of Flitch Green have detailed concerns over the development’s potential impact on local services like schools and roads.

A design and access statement on behalf of applicant Baker Metson says any impact on the environment by the development will be minimised.

But several people who live near the proposed Baynard Avenue site wrote to the council, saying local roads, schools, doctor surgeries and shops are already at capacity.

Resident Nicole Howe said: “Too many houses have been built in the area and some are currently still being built. We are meant to be a small village, not a city.

Jason Dewar, another Flitch Green resident, said in his objection: “This development will put even more strain on our overburdened amenities such as sewage, schools and roads.”

In addition to the houses, the developers are also proposing a community building, which the statement suggests could be used as a café, wine bar and a shared workspace.

The application is for outline consent, meaning a separate application containing final details will have to come forward if the council approves this initial stage.