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2:39pm Tuesday 21st November 2006

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A developer is pushing forward with controversial plans to build up to 1,500 homes on a beauty spot - despite mounting opposition.

A campaign to stop developer Gleeson Homes concreting over 100 acres at the Barn Hall open space, Wickford, is gathering steam as the firm prepares to consult residents over its plans.

Gleeson, which owns the land, has arranged a series of public exhibitions to consult residents over its plans, while Basildon Council is trying to protect the site by getting it classified as green belt land.

But residents near the site, off Station Lane, are setting up a campaign website and have already gathered hundreds of petition signatures after joining forces with Basildon Green Action Group, which helped to put a halt to similar plans for the Dry Street area.

Jacqueline Boynes, 63, of nearby Jubilee Drive, said: "I urge as many residents as possible to attend and sign our petition when it goes on the website.

"We need people to write to councillors and MP John Baron to emphasise why they wish to preserve this lovely stretch of countryside.

"There are many reasons why this development should be strongly opp-osed, not least the fact it is intended to return the area to green belt.

"The problem we are finding while getting signatures, is not enough people yet know about the plans."

The site is a haven for dog walkers, ramblers and wildlife. Wickford park councillor Michael Mowe (Cons) said: "We do not believe these homes are needed and, coupled with plans for nearby Runwell Hospital, it would be a strain on the town.

"Enough new homes have been allocated in the town centre under the Wickford Masterplan."

Surveyors commissioned by Gleeson spent a number of weeks working in the area and looking at possible access routes.

Laurence Quail, Gleeson town planner, said: "We are looking at some sort of housing or mixed-use development, but plans are at very early stages."

Mr Quail said the public would be shown at least two possible developments and would be able to comment at three special open days and then via a website.

Mr Quail said: "This is the first stage of consultation on possible development options for the site.

"Residents will be shown indicative images of what may be possible and asked to comment.

"We are still at a very early design stage prior to the submission of any planning application.

"We urge as many people to attend and express their opinion."

There will be public exhibitions at The Wickford Centre, in Alderney Gardens, on: * Saturday, December 9, between 10am and 2pm

* Wednesday, December 13, between 4pm and 8pm

* Thursday, December 14, between 6pm and 8.30pm.