MORE than 200 extra homes are set to be added to a controversial development ... but developers insist at least half of the huge site will remain as green space.

Developers are already in the process of building 500 homes at the Wolsey Park development in Rayleigh, but have now updated plans in a bid to build an additional 222.

Residents firmly opposed plans for the initial 500 homes, but Countryside Properties have insisted there has been an overwhelming interest in them.

The developer added that at least half of the huge site - the equivalent of 152 football pitches - will remain as open space.

Now, 253 homes will be classed as affordable but deputy leader of Rochford Council, Cheryl Roe, wants the number to be higher.

She said: ““In an ideal World, we wouldn’t want more houses, but needs must.

“We need to help our youngsters out.

“If we don’t build homes, the Government will do it for us.

“We do need to build homes for our young people. They need help getting onto the property ladder.

“I don’t think the affordable homes will be enough to satisfy the demand.”

Major concerns were raised when building work began, with residents insisting Rayleigh will not be able to cope with increased traffic or homes.

Construction began in May 2019.

Countryside Properties received 1,800 “expressions of interest” in response to the development, with three quarters of those coming from people in Rayleigh, Hockley, Rochford and Wickford, and the firm will work with the community.

A spokesman added: “We’ve received an overwhelming amount of interest from local people in the new homes being built at Wolsey Park.

“These updated plans would provide the right mix of housing on-site, thereby benefitting younger families and first-time buyers in particular, whilst protecting the parkland setting of Wolsey Park.

“The new homes would also help to alleviate housing pressures within the district by delivering much-needed new homes on a site which is already being developed.”