THE owners of a “wonky” listed farmhouse fear a new development could bring down their home.

Melody and Matthew Dawes own a 17th century building in Julien Court Road, Braintree.

Burywood Property Consultants has applied to Braintree Council to knock down a neighbouring house and build four detached homes.

Mrs Dawes, a publisher who works from home, said the new development would put her house in danger.

She said: “My house shakes in the wind so with the impact of four massive houses I don’t know what it would do structurally.

“They are talking about a massive building site, I won’t be able to work.

“I just think nowhere is safe, it’s madness. I understand people need more homes but we need affordable housing on sustainable sites.”

Mrs Dawes said her garden, usually full of bats and deer, would lose its character. She added: “I’m going to do everything I can to stop this happening. As wonky and bonkers as my house is it was always meant to look like that.

“They just don’t care. It will just ruin the whole landscape, it’s nuts.”

Developer Burywood Property Consultants said the plans would en- hance the listed building.

A spokesman said: “The removal of the bungalow will enhance the set- ting of this listed building as the bungalow is of little architectural merit.

“There are additional opportunities to improve the setting of the listed building with good landscaping.

“The land slopes away from the existing houses, this will reduce the impact of the development on these properties, in particular the listed building.”

The neighbour, Dennis King, declined to comment.