DEVELOPERS have applied to build 2,000 homes at Bournes Green, Southend.

But residents living nearby have claimed the farmland should be kept as green belt.

The Robert Leonard Group and Regis Estates are behind the joint scheme, which has been submitted to the East of England Regional Assembly.

The plans are part of a review being carried out by the assembly, which is looking into more than 100 housing schemes for across the east of the country up until 2031.

But one resident living nearby, who asked not want to be named, hoped developers would rethink.

He said: “This is one of Southend’s green lungs. I would like to see a country park to augment the sports facilities in the area.”

The joint venture between Robert Leonard and Regis, is called Thorpe Bay Estates and they have also bought the freehold of the Thorpe Hall Golf Club in Thorpe Hall Avenue.

Bosses at the company planned to build a new club at Bournes Green in exchange for building homes on the existing golf club site.

However, golf club members who have a long term lease, turned down the offer for the land and now the developers are looking at building the new homes to the north of Bournes Green Chase.

Perry Gamon, managing director of the Robert Leonard Group, said: “We have put in a proposal through our agents Bidwells for 2,000 homes on the Bournes Green land.

“We have to look at our assets and where there is likely to be development.”

Anna Waite, Southend councillor responsible for planning, said: “This piece of land was put forward for development before and it didn’t find favour. I don’t think it will find favour now either.”