THE wait for a decision over plans to demolish historic air raid shelters near Halstead to build 31 homes continues six months on from its unveiling.

Halstead New Homes is looking to develop the site on land east of Halstead High Street.

However, the plans have received mixed reactions from residents.

The site earmarked for the new homes is next to where the old Courtaulds silk factory once stood.

The factory, which produced parachutes during the Second World War, was a potential target for bomber attacks, so 15 underground air raid shelters were built, along with a warden’s hut.

Planners say the shelters are often the victims of fly tipping and antisocial behaviour, and are in varying conditions, from "bad to extreme disrepair”.

Last October, Braintree Council refused the same plans, for reasons including heritage, design, ecology, affordable housing and financial contributions.

Plans were re-submitted with slight changes in October, but a decision is yet to be made.

Since the unveiling of the new plans, residents have been divided over more new homes coming to Halstead.

One objector said: “Could consideration be given to the already increasing volume of traffic and problems which come with it, which Halstead is already experiencing.

“Many of the tenants in Symonds Court have also expressed upset and concern their views of woodland is going to be replaced by yet more dwellings.”

Another added: “This development is not suitable for this area, and it would be much better left as a woodland area and used for field studies and local history by schools and residents.”

One supporter from the Essex Industrial Archaeology Group said the proposals for the future use of the heritage are “welcomed and supported” but added it is “essential the developers are held to account to provide these in full and they are not allowed to slip away from the development”.

The resubmitted plans once again propose 31 new homes, as well as the retention of ten air raid shelters, two of which would become a “Second World War experience”.

The warden's hut would also be retained, which developers hope to convert into an information and visitor centre and café to celebrate the site.

The plans still include the removal of five air raid shelters.

Braintree Council will rule on the plans.