Opposition mounts over new town plan

1:24pm Tuesday 12th December 2006

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A developer is facing fierce opposition over plans for a mini town on 100 acres of former green belt land in Wickford.

More than 700 people have signed a petition against Developer Gleeson Homes's proposals for up to 500 homes at the Barn Hall open space off Station Avenue.

Gleeson today unveiled the first images of possible developments at the site as protesters called on Basildon Council to redesignate the land as green belt to protect it for the future.

The company wants build the homes, including some three-storey blocks of flats at Barn Hall with the possibility of a school, GP surgery, sports centre and open space.

The North Wickford Green Action Group fears the development would be the first wave of further construction because the whole site could take up to 1,500 homes and Gleeson also owns adjoining land near Downham Road.

Group spokesman Brian Weyland, from Station Avenue, Wickford, said: "Surveyors we spoke to a few weeks ago said they were drawing up plans for up to 1,700 homes.

"The developer says it is consulting residents, but from the look of the plans they are determined for something to go ahead.

"We believe even if Basildon Council rejects any planning application they will appeal to the Government.

"But public feeling against this is growing and we are keen to hear from anyone who would be interested in taking up the post of chairman.

"We will be objecting on grounds of congestion, because it is already gridlocked in Wickford, sewage problems and overcrowded public transport."

Group member Jacqueline Boynes, 63, from Jubilee Drive, added: "We are urging people not to fill out the comment card which the developer is circulating, because it does not have a section to object it just asks what you would like to see. We have put together our own leaflet which people can use to object to the plan."

Campaigners are also setting up a website and will meet again on January 7.

Scott Chamberlin, managing director of Gleeson Homes, said: "A lot of work has gone into providing the public with the general development concepts.

"There has already been plenty of feedback and we are in the process of going through the forms.

"When the final exhibition has taken place on Thursday, we will collate the responses and incorporate the comments into the design process, where possible."

For more information about the campaign call Mr Weyland on 01268 761805.

The plans will be on show at a special public exhibition at the Wickford centre, in Alderney Gardens tomorrow from 4pm to 8pm and on Thursday from 6pm to 8.30pm.