Plans to build a 1,600-home settlement between Braintree and Rayne could be unveiled this summer, a developer has said.

Wayne Gold, of Goldev, said a screening opinion request submitted to Braintree Council paves the way for a formal application to be made before the outcome of the council’s Local Plan.

A screening application is used to find out whether a proposed project will have significant effects on the environment, and is usually the first stage for large projects.

According to the request, the “Brook Green” site will include “a local centre, employment uses,a new primary school, public open space, landscaping and associated infrastructure”.

Mr Gold said: “It’s all gaining a lot of momentum. All of the reports and negotiaitians are being carried out as we speak.

“There will be two sites really, one to the north of the Flitch Way with access from Rayne Road and one to the south with access from Pod’s Brook Road.

“We will not build on the Flitch Way itself and the only way to gain access to the sites over it will be by pedestrian and cycle routes.

"There will be no cars going under or over it.”

See this week's Braintree Times for the full story.