PLANS to build new homes on land adjacent to Stock’s iconic Cock Inn have been recommended for approval, despite 44 objections from villagers.

The Gazette previously revealed how developer St John’s Court wants to build two houses, two apartments and the three hotel rooms on the site in the High Street.

In 2014, The Cock Inn, a grade two listed building, was renamed The Harvard Inn and although work to re-vamp it started, the pub is still yet to reopen.

But residents living in the village filed a long list of reasons why the development of the adjoining land should not get the go-ahead, with parking problems at the heart of their concerns.

Although the new scheme promises 37 parking spaces – 26 more than are available now – villagers say the number of spaces will not provide a sufficient number of spaces for the homes and a pub.

They also say there are already on-street parking problems nearby, with some calling for an independent traffic survey to take place before plans are approved.

Tina Dixon, who lives in Mill Road, said: “I have lived in this area all my life. I have not got parking outside my house and if you are not home before 6pm on a Friday night, you are not going to get a space.

“There is already The Bear, the Italian restaurant, the coffee shop and people running their businesses and they all park in the square.

“We are not short of a few houses as it is and it is too suffocating. It would be horrible and I would have to move if it went ahead.”

Gary Thomas, who lives in Swan Lane overlooking the pub, said: “Everyone here was happy with the pub and then all of a sudden these plans come.

“Parking is a joke here and you can’t even park outside your own house sometimes and it is just going to get worse.

“I have no problems with someone earning a penny but the whole thing does not have the village at heart. It is an absolute eyesore.”

Officers at Chelmsford City Council have recommended the development get the go-ahead but councillors will meet to discuss the application on Monday evening.

As well as the objections, which include one from Stock Parish Council, councillors sitting on the planning committee will consider 21 letters backing the scheme.

Villagers keen for the redevelopment to go ahead say the design is attractive, with others saying it would enhance the centre of Stock.

Ben Ingham wrote: “I fully support this application, which will vastly improve the appearance of this unattractive car park in the centre of the Stock conservation area.

“The proposed mix of dwellings will provide much needed smaller accommodation for first-time buyers or older people who want to downsize.

“The application should be approved without further delay.”

Summing up the application in a report that will be put before councillors next week, the planning officer writes: “The development of this site is acceptable in principle and the design and layout would be appropriate for this historic site in the centre of the village.

“There would not be any detrimental impact on the setting of the listed building on the site or the character and appearance of the Conservation Area.

“The proposed parking arrangements are acceptable in accordance with adopted parking standards and the Local Highway Authority has no objection to the access arrangements.”

St John’s Court Ltd did not respond to requests from the Gazette for comment on the application.