PEOPLE will have more time to air their views on controversial plans to build up to 6,000 homes on the Basildon-Brentwood border.

Basildon Council is holding two further drop-in events after more than 150 residents attended consultations to find out more about the Dunton Garden Suburb proposal.

It comes as a newly-formed protest group, Dunton Garden Suburb Action Group, holds its first meetings.

The development could see between 4,000 and 6,000 homes built to the west of Laindon and the east of West Horndon in Brentwood.

Dr Richard Moore, Basildon councillor for planning and regeneration, said: “Following the success of the previous events, we felt it was important to give residents another opportunity to meet officers and see the plans before the consultation ends on February 17.

“It is essential we fully investigate potential areas for development properly to ensure we make the most of possible opportunities we have within our boundaries.

“This could potentially provide thousands of much-needed homes for both boroughs, as well as a new train station and other community benefits.”

The first event is on February 4 between 4.30pm and 9pm at the President’s Community Centre, in Hoover Drive, Laindon. The second will be at St Francis Church, in Thorndon Avenue, West Horndon, on February 9 between 4.30pm and 9pm. Action group spokesman Philip Gibbs said: “It is good to have more dates, but they haven’t really been very well publicised so, hopefully, between now and then they will be.

“I think many people here are strongly opposed to the plans. We hope the authorities will recognise the plans are a bad idea and won’t go ahead.”

The group held its first public meeting last night with another tonight at 8pm at St John’s Church in Forest Glade, Langdon Hills. It is hoped Basildon councillors and parliamentary candidates will attend.

Residents have until 5pm on February 17 to pass on their views to the councils via the website basildon.gov.uk/dunton or by emailing planningpolicy@basildon.gov.

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