NEARLY 600 residents have written in objection to plans to build hundreds of new homes in their leafy neighbourhood.

Developer Persimmon Homes has submitted a planning application to construct 265 new homes on 35 acres of green belt land south of Jotmans Lane, Benfleet.

Determined green belt campaigners spent hours canvassing the borough over the bank holiday weekend, posting over 5,000 leaflets through post boxes to drum up support.

In a dramatic response, around 574 people have inundated Castle Point Council with letters voicing their opposition to the plans.

Sharon Knight, of Philmead Road, Benfleet, said: “We need to send out a message to our councillors that now more than ever they need to listen to the voters.  The overwhelming response on the council website to application, should send a very clear message.

“They have already given up some of our green belt, and we want them to know we are watching. When the green belt is gone it is gone forever.

“This will not just affect everyone in Castle Point, but anyone who commutes to London from Leigh and Southend will be affected by the added congestion on the roads and trains. We are bursting at the seams, there is no more room and they need to look elsewhere to build new homes.”

Concerns have been raise that, if approved, it would be the tip of the iceberg and could pave the way for further development as the site had previously been earmarked for up to 600 homes in the council’s previous Local Plan.

However, Persimmon said unequivocally last November they would not build on land north of Jotmans Lane as it is not under their control.

The plans are expected to come before the council’s development control committee for a final decision by June 6.
 

For more information visit www.castlepoint.gov.uk