CONTROVERSIAL plans for up to 300 homes in a village could set a precedent...and be the thin end of a development wedge, it has been claimed.

Plans have been unveiled for up to 300 homes, a health centre, shops and an early years and childcare facility to be built in Kelvedon.

The site is within walking distance of the village centre, primary school and train station and is “sandwiched” between the railway line and London Road.

The plans, which have been submitted to Braintree Council, also feature supporting infrastructure, including drainage and two accesses from London Road.

Councillor Paul Thorogood, who represents Kelvedon and Feering, said back in 2017 the plans were for 250 homes but were “ditched at the last minute” in favour of the site for 237 homes off Coggeshall Road, Kelvedon, which is currently being built.

Now the plans are for 300 homes and residents are being given until October 7 to make submissions.

Mr Thorogood is concerned as the site is not part of the neighbourhood plan and is not in the district council’s plans for housing.

But his main concern is it could lead to the development of the new Kings Dene town.

He is worried if the plans were to be approved, it could set a precedent.

Parker Strategic Land wants to see up to 5,000 new homes built in Kelvedon to form a new town called Kings Dene and is seeking permission for 600 homes as part of the first phase.

He said: “My concern is it could push out the village envelope which could lead to the new town.

“This would make it more likely in my view.

“The people who live in Kelvedon and Feering want to keep the two villages as villages, and if that new town is built it would just turn it into a suburb.”