BLUEPRINTS for 32 high-quality new homes in Great Bentley have been put on hold.

Mersea Homes wants to build on the Sturricks Farm site in Sturrick Lane, but the plans have been postponed for further talks between Tendring Council planners and the developer The land has already been earmarked for development, but Great Bentley Parish Council opposed the plans.

Tendring Council received 86 objections, which included concerns about extra traffic and a lack of infrastructure, such as the strain on the village school and doctor’s surgery.

Essex County Council, the local highways authority, has raised no objection to the scheme.

Carlo Guglielmi, cabinet member for planning, said the planning committee agreed by nine votes to nil to defer the application for three months.

“The principal of developing this site already exists and hopefully the further negotiations will result in a scheme acceptable to all,” he added.

Planning officers recommended the application for approval with 14 conditions plus a legal agreement for the developer to contribute towards off-site affordable housing, education and open space provision.