A CONSERVATION charity has refuted claims a controversial housing scheme would not affect Braintree’s countryside.

Acorn Property Group has applied to build up to 1,600 homes, a primary school, GP surgery and other facilities at Brook Green, either side of the Flitch Way.

Consultants Sightline Landscape wrote a report on the impact the development would have on the historic path, which travels down the old railway line.

The report stated: “The most significant adverse effect will be to users of the rural footpath network, sections of which will pass through the new suburban area of Brook Green.

“But the masterplan will ensure that the immediate setting of Flitch Way will be protected to a degree which ensures that its enjoyment by users will not be significantly affected.”

But the Friends of Flitch Way group has written to Braintree Council refuting the report, re-asserting its objections to the development.

The letter states: “The report from Sightline is an exercise in public relations on behalf of the company Acorn Holdings and as such does not contribute to any judgement that will be made on the Brook Green proposal.

“We as the Friends of Flitch Way, as per our previous submissions on this unsuitable site and the construction of 1,600 houses plus, remain opposed to this development for the reasons given in those letters.”

In total more than 300 objection letters have been submitted on the controversial application with campaign group, No Brook Green, being set up by members of the local community.

The letter continues: “The group have seen no evidence presented by the Sightline Landscape report to change our opposition to Brook Green.

“We do not find it inevitable that new housing is built on open countryside or agricultural land as stated in the report.

“There are numerous brownfield sites in the Braintree and Witham area which could provide housing sites before greenfield sites are ever considered.”

Sightline Landscape declined to comment.