UP to 80 new homes are set to be built in a village - despite complaints from some residents.

The Hunt Property Trust submitted an application to build on land to the south of Halstead Road, in Earls Colne, on a site which has also been allocated for housing on the draft Local Plan.

But some villagers are unhappy about the development.

Jenny Brinder, who has been a resident of Earls Colne for about 26 years, spoke out against the proposals at a meeting of Braintree Council’s planning committee.

She said: “I would urge the committee to reject the application. It would represent significant over development of Earls Colne. There is already 56 new houses being developed off Station Road.

“It will destroy the real character of the village and create a small town.”

The outline planning application includes 40 per cent of affordable housing.

The developer has also pledged to provide new parking spaces for the nearby Pump House doctors’ surgery.

Gabrielle Spray (Conservative, the Colnes), said: “This development does have the support of the parish council and they have been involved from a early stage.

“The planning officer has recommended they would like to see this go forward and they recognise the village does need additional housing.

“We are lucky in Earls Colne to have shops and businesses. Many villages do not have that, but to keep these going we need residents to use them.

“We also acknowledge the need to contribute to the housing targets, it is in a stable location and if 80 homes are built there will be 32 affordable homes.”

The houses would utilise a new pedestrian link to access Earls Colne’s facilities.

David Mann (Labour, Bocking North) said: “I am pleased to see Earls Colne is prepared to do its bit. The urban areas cannot take it all.

“I agree there are also several gains for the village here and these would be increased further if the houses built are smaller homes.”

The outline application was granted unanimously by the members of the council.