A GROUP of residents are worried about plans to introduce social housing into Hadleigh.

The residents spoke out as planning bosses from Castle Point Council revealed how a new local housing plan would see about 120 new flats built in Hadleigh town centre with a potential housing development in Scrub Lane.

The council wants to build 1,200 homes across the borough and is promising a mix of council homes and first time buyer schemes, but residents say it could damage the character of the town.

Ron Harrell, 85, of Hadleigh Park Avenue, also fears that local residents will not be given priority when applying for the new homes.

He said: “One of the biggest problems in this country is immigration. It’s a real worry for people and they are leaving London in their droves to get away from it.

“It’s not young people coming here. There is no such thing in Hadleigh as affordable homes in Hadleigh and the only people who can move here are those who own a property in London which they can sell.

“I have a number of grandchildren who would love to be given the opportunity to buy a house in Hadleigh, but these new homes will not go to them.

“I have sat by watching this nation dismantled bit by bit and now I am seeing my own town being dismantled bit by bit.”

Chris Costa, 46, of Sherwood Crescent, moved to Hadleigh from the East End to start a family 20 years ago.

He said: “I fell in love with Hadleigh due to the nature reserves and the fact that it is such a peaceful, beautiful place. I worry about the whole character of the town being changed, and not for the best. The council insist it’s growth but to us it’s destruction.

“Social housing really does have an affect on the image of an area. At the moment the only way people are really able to move to Hadleigh is if they have the money to buy their own property. House prices will naturally begin to decline if a council estate is built right next to a row of £600,000 homes.

“It sounds snobby, but I was born in Hackney and grew up in east London so I can’t really be accused of being a snob.”

Castle Point Council were forced to complete an updated local plan by the beginning of March due to government housing targets.

Steve Rogers, the council’s head of regeneration, said: “It sometimes feels like we are torn between what our residents want and what the government want us to do. The plan we have come up with is one which we think is right for Castle Point.”