Campaigners are calling on villagers to unite and fight plans for a new housing development... one last time.

Braintree Council’s planning officers have recommended a scheme to build 23 new homes on land off Tey Road, Earls Colne, be approved by councillors at an upcoming meeting.

The plans have proved unpopular with residents living close to the proposed site and a petition against the proposals has been backed by more than 100 people.

The Tey Road Action Group, which was set up to contest the plans, says it is disappointed with the recommendation to approve the bid but insists it will not “throw the towel in” ahead of next week’s crunch meeting where a final decision will be made.

Group member Stuart Sheehy said: “We want to get as many people to come along to the meeting to support us and show the feeling in the village.

“It’s our last opportunity to have our voice heard. We are concerned that these applications can be seen as rubber stamped once they have been recommended for approval.

“But the level of support we have had has been amazing and its important to show that to councillors. Even the planners have mentioned the high level of objections to this application.

“We must make sure we aren’t ignored.”

Earls Colne Parish Council has also objected to the proposals, which have been put together with the help of the planning and design bureau.

Many objections centre on the impact the development will have on the natural environment, traffic, and existing residents in Tey Road, Lowefields and Upper Holt Street. There are also big concerns about the junction connecting Tey Road with the A1124, with many objectors fearing it is dangerous due to poor visibility.

However, planning officers have dismissed these fears in a report which outlines why they think councillors should approve the plans.

The report states: “Due to the self-contained nature and size of the site, its development for 23 houses could be reasonably accommodated with sufficient parking and garden space, while not having a detrimental impact upon the character of the area or wider landscape.

“Furthermore, while it is acknowledged that the Tey Road/A1124 junction is unconventional in its layout, the development of this site would not lead to an unacceptable level of traffic utilising the junction.

“Moreover, the site can achieve safe pedestrian and vehicular access from Lowefields.”

Councillors will rule on the plans during a meeting at Causeway House, Braintree, which gets underway from 7.15pm on Tuesday.