Wickford councillors fear Basildon Council would approve plans to build ten new traveller pitches on the former Barn Hall allotments.

At a full members briefing last Thursday, the council discussed their draft local plans for allocating travellers’ sites across the borough. The proposed pitches on Barn Hall Park, in Halesmere Road, Wickford, which was proposed in 2016, was discussed.

Conservative councillor Peter Holliman, representing Wickford Park, said: “It looks like Basildon Council is very likely to put a rubber stamp to approve plans to build ten new pitches.

“It’s very frightening, because one pitch could fit a number of caravans. The pitches will sit between a playground and residential homes.

“Wickford has taken the heat in traveller encampments, Hovefields is another example. You would think we’ve learned a lesson from Dale Farm.”

Conservative councillor Chris Jackman, also from the same ward, said there was a lack of consultation with Barn Hall residents. He said: “I will be keeping a very close eye on the finished local plan, particularly on what has changed.

“I don’t want to prejudge but from the feedback given by the council nothing or very little will change, it is a sad day for democracy this is about satisfying the very few at the detriment to the many.”

A Basildon Council spokesman said: “As part of our consultation procedure we went over and above publicity requirements, including issuing a special edition of the Borough Diary and promoting the draft local plan in the press, on social media and via advertisements played on the radio and screened in the cinema.

“We also liaised with parish councils and held a series of public exhibitions in February and March 2016.”