A councillor has sought to reassure residents over the possibility that an affordable housing development will be built near to their estate in Southend.

Labour Councillor Daniel Cowan, who represents the St Laurence ward, has said that the scale of the 31-home development on Lundy Close has been exaggerated and would in fact see a maximum of just seven new homes if it was to go ahead.

Mr Cowan explained that the initial proposal for 31 homes was part of an exploration into land available for house building and since then the council has refined plans based on the realistic potential for the site.

He noted that any development in the area would not happen until sometime between 2022 and 2027, if it was to go-ahead.

Council documents seen by the Local Democracy Reporting Service confirm the councillor’s claims.

Mr Cowan added: “A lot of worry and concern could have been saved with better communication and engagement with council officers from elected representatives.”

His comments come after Conservative councillors Mark Flewitt and David McGlone, who also represent the ward, announced they were backing a resident campaign to oppose the 31 homes.

Mr Flewitt said he believes the current administration will “plough ahead” with the development and he will continue backing residents by campaigning to ensure no homes are built on Lundy Close.