Development of old hospital site is delayed

DECISION to allow more than 200 homes to be built on the former Highwood Hospital site has been deferred - to ensure the development is sympathetic to the area.

Brentwood councillors were due to decide whether to give Bellway Homes permission to build 205 homes on the 17-acre town centre site last week.

However, some members of the planning committee questioned why planning officers had not decided on what was expected from the developer and why a site visit had not been arranged before the meeting.

Councillor Ross Carter said: "I think it is ridiculous. The officers look into it and make their recommendations but it is our job to decide. For us to have to go back to the developer to resolve further issues makes a mockery of the whole process."