THE housing plan for Basildon has been termed as “outrageous” after plans for a new 650 home development were launched.

Basildon Council’s new housing plan is set to be approved at its infrastructure, growth and development committee next Tuesday, where 20,000 are expected by 2034.

The number of homes was previously 16,500, however, following pressure from central government, the council has increased the total to just under 20,000.

Danny Lovey, of the Basildon Green Action Group said that the council’s proposed plans to build on sites in Dunton and Vange is intruding on greenbelt land.

He added the 650 home plan for Vange has left area “dumped in the back garden of Dry Street”.

He said: “The plans are outrageous. It is far too many houses and I think it is appalling. I was expecting a few hundred, but 650 houses is an awful lot.

“Basildon is bearing the brunt again and more of our green spaces are being built on again.”

The council are expected to approve plans to build 1,100 houses in The Wick, with a further 1,100 homes on Wickford greenbelt.

It has maintained it is under pressure from the government to deliver the huge target over the next 15 years.

In a letter to a resident in Billericay, Frank Ferguson, Ukip councillor for Lee Chapel North, said: “It is not this council’s choice to build so much but central government, and we do not have the right to reduce that figure.”

Speaking about the plan, Linda Allport-Hodge, chairman of the infrastructure, growth and development committee, said: “The local plan sets out how much new housing and employment development needs to be built in the borough by 2034, and where it could be built.

“This is probably the biggest decision that the council will have to make.

“It is a responsibility we take seriously and it is important that we get it right.

“We want a local plan that balances growth whilst protecting against the negative impact of urban sprawl and defends community spaces; a local plan that encourages the right infrastructure and a Local Plan that plans properly to improve air quality.” Phil Turner, leader of the opposition, was also critical of the number of houses planned as well as the 53 traveller pitches which are set to be agreed.

He said: “We won’t be supporting the plan, we think it is a monstrous plan to the detriment of residents.

“Now we will lose our green belt and all Linda Allport-Hodge had done is preside over a failed plan.”

“If we are back in power, we will look to reduce the number of traveller pitches, reduce house, and get it back on track as we left it.”