A consultation on plans to create up to 6,000 homes on the borders of Basildon and Brentwood has been extended by one month.

The Dunton Garden Suburb consultation had originally been scheduled to run from January 6 to February 17 but it will now run until 5pm on Monday 16 March.

Two extra drop-in events have also been organised for those who want to learn more about the plans after more than 150 residents attended the first events.

The first of these extra drop-in sessions has been arranged for Wednesday 4 February from 4.30pm to 9pm at the President’s Community Centre, Hoover Drive, Laindon.

A second session will be held at St Francis Church, Thorndon Avenue, West Horndon, on Monday 9 February from 4.30 to 9pm.

The Dunton Garden Suburb could potentially see development to the west of Laindon, Basildon and east of West Horndon, Brentwood, for 4,000 to 6,000 homes.

The idea could also include new Gypsy and Traveller pitches, commercial, retail and leisure use, open space, access to local facilities and Country Parks and improvements to road and rail infrastructure.

Cllr Dr Richard Moore, Basildon Council’s cabinet member for planning and regeneration, added: “We have noted the considerable press coverage and interest in the consultation as well as calls from the public for more time to consider the proposals.

“We understand that it is vital that as many people as possible are able to contribute to the consultation so that we have a comprehensive understanding of their views.”

“It is essential that 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.”

People can also have their say by visiting http://basildon-consult.limehouse.co.uk/portal; by emailing either Council on planningpolicy@basildon.gov.uk or planning.policy@brentwood.gov.uk or writing a letter to either Council, making sure it is clearly marked “Dunton Garden Suburb Consultation 2015”.

Alternatively visit the websites of either councils: http://www.basildon.gov.uk/dunton or www.brentwood.gov.uk/dunton