Controversial plans to build a mini town on a "green lung" used by hundreds of residents will be submitted within weeks, the Echo can reveal.

Campaigners sent a clear message to developers they will not accept the plans to build up to 1,500 homes and shops on the Barn Hall open space in Wickford after learning a planning application is expected by March at the latest.

More than 300 campaigners packed out crunch talks last night to discuss Gleeson Homes' scheme for the site.

Campaign leader Peter Boyns, from Jubilee Avenue, Wickford, handed a 1,300-name petition and 800 objection letters to Basildon Council, which arranged the talks, held in Barnhall Community Centre, Aldern-ey Gardens, and supports the campaigners' stance.

Mr Boyns, who set up Wickford North Green Action Group, said: "The group wholeheartedly supports the council's bid to retain this area as green belt.

"If and when an application comes forward we will oppose it vigorously.

"There are very few people in favour of this development. Most of us are worried about the effect on infrastructure and lack of GPs, dentists, water and sewage facilities.

"We are not opposed to development. We live in the Thames Gateway and it is needed for population growth, but it needs to be planned and sustainable on brown field sites."

The meeting heard the site owned by Gleeson stretches from Wickford into the Chelmsford borough along Downham Road. Chelmsford Council representatives also backed the campaign.

Residents demanded Essex County Council carries out an urgent traffic impact survey and that environmental surveys are undertaken.

Basildon Councillor Michael Mowe, Conser-vative, Wickford North, said the site was a green lung and must be protected for the sake of wildlife and flowers.

Councillor Don Morris, Conservative, Wickford Park, pressed for archaeological surveys of the site.

Deputy council leader Tony Ball, Conservative, Wickford North, described how residents could object on planning grounds only.

He said: "I would like to assure the audience the plans are not endorsed by the council and have nothing to do with the Wickford Town Centre Masterplan.

"This seeks to build around 600 homes but only within the town and on brownfield land."