PLANS for up to 70 homes in Mistley have been recommended for approval by council planners.

Rose Builders wants to construct the homes on land north of Stourview Avenue.

About 1,500 new homes are already expected to be built in the Manningtree, Lawford, Mistley and Brantham area following the approval of planning permission for a number of major schemes.

Tendring Council planners said the site in Stourview Avenue has historically been Mistley Parish Council’s preferred location for inclusion in the new Local Plan for housing.

But following the approval of plans for up to 300 homes in Long Road, 135 homes in Harwich Road and 25 homes off Pound Corner, the parish council no longer supported the idea.

A report by council planners said: “With a number of major developments already approved in the area, officers have carefully considered both the individual and cumulative impacts.

“The most significant planning issue in this regard has been safety, in particular the A137 at the busy railway crossing at Manningtree station.

“Essex County Council as the highways authority has advised that this particular development will not add significantly to traffic at the railway crossing.”

The county council, as the education authority, and NHS England have also requested financial contributions towards addressing the impact of the development on local services.

Fears have also been raised about the siting of new homes within an area proposed for inclusion in an extension to the Suffolk Coast and Heaths Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

Lynne Smith, of Stourview Close, said: “It would destroy the habitat of a wealth of wildlife.

“Until it is formally designated as an AONB, it should be subject to a high level of protection to protect it quality and character.”

Mistley Parish Council objected to the plans on the grounds of the size and density of the development as well as concerns over highway safety.

A decision on the outline plans will be made at Tendring Council’s planning committee on November 30.