CAMPAIGNERS have won a battle to protect community green space near their homes from development.

Rochford councillors voted to reject their own council’s outline planning application to build six homes on Brocksford Green, Rayleigh.

The site is less than half an acre and was given to the community as green space for residents in Brocksford Avenue and Copford Avenue by builder Wiggins, when the surrounding homes were built in the Fifties.

More than 50 neighbours packed the council chamber for the vote and applauded as Lodge ward councillors David Merrick and Ian Ward spoke out against Rochford Council’s proposal.

Mr Merrick said: “The surrounding area is fully developed and the space provides a green lung in the middle.

“It gets a great deal of use from local residents. Back in the Eighties, a proposal was refused because it would have resulted in a loss of open space. That point applies even more now.”

Former council chairman Heather Glynn planted a tree and unveiled a plaque on the green in 1995 to commemorate its 40th year.

Still a Conservative councillor for Hawkwell South, she also spoke out against the plan.

She told the meeting: “I’m dead against this.

“My husband plastered some of those original bungalows.

That was part of the new Rayleigh, in which each area had an open space for the community.

“We are getting applications for developments with hundreds of homes and we require them to have play spaces, so why would we take this one away?”

Ian Ansell, of Copford Avenue, speaking on behalf of the residents, told the meeting: “We are concerned and confused as to how public land has been identified for development without consultation. The green has been highly valued and well used by the community for nearly 60 years.”

Another resident, Carol Gwynn said she had been pleasantly surprised by the council’s decision, adding: “I went with an open mind, but I expected it to be voted through.

“I was surprised at how many councillors spoke out against it.

This is fantastic news for everyone here.”