A CONTROVERSIAL plan to build new homes within existing council estates has emerged.

Up to 20 affordable homes could be developed on four unnamed estates across Castle Point.

The pockets of land would be flogged off by the council to housing associations.

The first phase of the scheme, agreed by the council’s cabinet, has been met with concern among tenants and opposition councillors.

Jeffrey Stanley, cabinet member responsible for resources, told the latest meeting if the pilot project was a success the council could roll it out across the borough.

He said: “These particular pieces of land often attract graffiti and antisocial behaviour.

“There are a number of pieces of furniture which get dumped there.

“This is a very good idea to deal with the lack of affordable homes in Castle Point, and deal with land which is subject of complaints of antisocial behaviour.”

Cash from the sale of the land would be ploughed back into housing.

The new homes are likely to be a mixture of homes for social rent, and homes sold on a shared ownership basis.

Tenant Mary Windsor, 63, of Central Wall Cottages, Canvey, said: “I would be concerned about the loss of open space, and I don’t like the idea of housing associations being involved.

“The council should build them themselves, with the money they get from selling council homes.”

The council will not reveal the exact location of the four sites for “commercial reasons”.

But Mr Stanley’s comments that the sites are known for antisocial behaviour has led to speculation they may include the Avenues estate, off Link Road, Canvey.

Mrs Windsor added: “It’s like little Beirut around there and there are lots of garage blocks and alleyways.”

Dave Blackwell, leader of the opposition Canvey Island Independent Party, criticised the council for being secretive and not informing tenants, or ward councillors.

He said: “I think it’s totally irresponsible not to tell residents and it’s a downward spiral when you start selling off green open spaces.

“Why has it got to be secretive?”

Wendy Goodwin, cabinet member responsible for homes, insisted residents would be consulted.

She said: “This is at a very early stage. We will be consulting about the pieces of land when we have found out whether they are viable.

“It’s a good scheme. We desperately need more affordable housing.”

She said the council could not afford to build its own homes, as it could not access all the sources of funding available to housing associations.