PROTESTERS have claimed “democracy has died” after the number of councillors on the planning committee at Rochford district was slashed dramatically.

The number of councillors on the committee will be reduced from 39 to 13. The new set up will consist of nine tory members, two Green and Rochford District Residents, one UKIP and one Liberal Democrat.

At Rochford District Council's full council meeting, 23 Conservative members voted to reduce the number, with nine councillors from minority parties opposing the plans.

The public gallery was full of protesters, including those with signs, banners and a hand-crafted coffin, claiming it would be the 'death of democracy' and take away their representation on the committee.

Leader of the council, Terry Cutmore, said: “We want political constraints no more, decisions should be made on a factual basis with highly trained members.

“We are following all other committees around the country. We are the only council in the country that has all members on the development committee. It gives us a political weight that shouldn’t be there.”

John Mason, Green and Rochford District Residents, spoke out against the proposal.

He said: “Residents see this as the death of democracy and I agree. It will increase political control. It excludes some members. There will not be a single Labour member. It is a dilution of democracy.

“Whatever we have, however archaic it may be, it’s a unique system where everyone that was elected had a say and a vote. It still works well, I don’t see any need for changing it at all. “

UKIP councillor John Hayter legally challenged the motion at the meeting and said it was invalid, however the council's legal team said much research into the matter proved the motion to be legal and valid.

About 30 residents gathered in top hats and suits, marched with a coffin and carried a wreath prior to the meeting to protest the death of democracy.

Residents from Rayleigh Action Group and Hullbridge Residents Association were particularly unhappy that such change was coming up so close to the development committee’s on an application to build 500 homes off Malyons Lane, Hullbridge.

Richard Lambourne, 62, of Eastwood Road, Rayleigh, said: “From time immemorial, the development committee has represented the whole council, which gives everyone the chance to be represented.

“Limiting it to 13, we feel, is a removal of democracy and a very shabby tactic to get round the decision on the big Hullbridge development that is coming up.”

Anthony Burke MBE, 79, of Rawreth Lane, Rayleigh, also feels it is undemocratic and protested the motion prior to the meeting.

He said: “It is the final nail in the coffin of this council that have run a roughshod over their constituents. It is undemocratic.”

Brian Carleton, of the Hullbridge Residents Association, was against the proposal in supporting the Rayleigh Action Group in their protest.

He said: “The council have not allowed for ‘transparency’ and ‘openness’ to be visible to the community. We consider democracy is in peril.

“All councillors represent their communities and have the right to vote on all issues."