Plans for 6,000 new homes between Basildon and Brentwood were revealed at a public consultation.

A drop-in event, outlining initial plans for the development, was held at Presidents’ Community Centre, Hoover Drive, Laindon, yesterday evening.

Concerned residents and councillors fear the area lacks the school places, doctors’ surgeries and roads to cope with the influx of people.

In October, the Echo revealed authorities agreed to investigate the potential for “significant house building” on land between West Horndon and Laindon.

The proposed development, dubbed the Dunton Garden Suburb, includes affordable homes, traveller pitches and a railway station.

There would also be a community centre and other social facilities.

The scheme has been proposed as a way for Basildon and Brentwood councils to jointly meet Government requirements to build new homes.

Critics believe Basildon will be more adversely affected.

Geoff Williams, Lib Dem Nethermayne councillor, said: “They could not have put it further from Brentwood, or closer to Basildon.

“I think it is a disaster for Basildon and another development in the green belt.”

In a joint document prepared by the two councils, the employment boost provided by new commercial and industrial sites on the development were emphasised.

A statement said: “Local planning authorities are required by Government to provide for all their development needs.

“This means green belt must be reviewed to help meet both Basildon and Brentwood’s development needs.”

Danny Lovey, a member of Basildon Green Action Group, said: “It is a town within a town and Dunton village would be obliterated.”

Ukip parliamentary candidate for Basildon and Billericay, George Konstantinidis, said the development should not go ahead without residents’ support.

He added: “This is something local people have to control.

“If they are happy with it, so be it, but if not, that should be an end to it.”

If approved, it is estimated development on the site would not begin for another eight years.