THE plug could be pulled on a plan for 20,000 homes in Basildon.

Conservative councillors, who have recently taken back control of Basildon Council from Labour, Ukip and independent after the local election, have requested an extraordinary council meeting to amend Basildon’s local housing plan.

Andrew Baggott, the new Basildon Conservative leader wishes to speak with the new housing minister, Southend-born James Brokenshire to discuss an alternative plan.

He proposes to create new plans for gypsy and traveller sites, 300 less homes in Billericay and to change plans for Bowers Gifford, Ramsden Bellhouse, Noak Bridge and Hovefields.

He said: “There are two issues currently being faced in the borough - the state the local plan was in when it came to publication and it was very clear on the doorsteps of residents across Pitsea, Basildon, Billericay and Wickford that there were concerns.

“We also should only consider building where there is the infrastructure that can handle more housing.

“I could not currently tell you how many houses can be built in the area over ten years - that prediction would be as inaccurate as the figure projected previously.

“We will take this conversation to the minister, even if it is a difficult one and fight the corner of our residents.”

Adele Brown, leader of the Basildon Labour group described Mr Baggott’s plans for change as “irresponsible”.

She said: “I would like to know where Mr Baggott plans to place the 300 homes from Billericay, and how he can allow the Bowers Gifford and Hovefields housing plans to happen. It will just be building time for Basildon.

“He also favours a hub system for all gypsy and traveller sites, but that does not work with current government legislation.

“And if it happens, it will not be built in Billericay. The government says we must have an amount of traveller sites for every 500 homes built - we don’t want that but we cannot change it.”

She added there are concerns that government officers could be forced to come in and force a plan on the district, taking the voice away from residents.