Lundy Close, Eastwood: Plan for new homes on play area

It wants to “appropriate” a communal green in Lundy Close to build up to 12 homes – a significant reduction on the 31 homes first proposed.

But despite the scaled back plans, residents are still fiercely against the loss of open land which many children use for playing.

They also raised concerns about the impact on wildlife as some trees will have to be removed to make way for the new homes.

However, the council says these will be replaced two to one.

St Laurence Tory councillor David McGlone believes there is little to stop the council taking over other parts of the open spaces in the future.

He said: “There are still concerns as far as the residents and myself are concerned.

“We think there should be no building whatsoever on that piece of land.

“The number of houses have been reduced because they’ve divided the land into three and are only using one plot but this is a creeping application.

"They will start off with that land but other parts could be built on later, that’s our fear.”

Mr McGlone added: “The area is vital to children.

“When the estate was built, because there were so many houses built there, it was seen as important to provide open spaces for people.

“We will lose trees and the wildlife area which has badger setts will be disturbed. We aren’t at all happy about it.”

The council says it is now only using 18 per cent of the green space in Lundy for the project.

It will also make improvements to the area by providing new paths, dog walking areas and a new safe children’s play area.

Council leader Ian Gilbert, who is also responsible for housing, said: “I understand this has been a contentious issue for residents, but we are listening to their concerns and making appropriate amendments to the project.

“There is a demand for homes within Southend and we must strike a balance between listening to the concerns of current residents and creating new council homes for the families who so badly need them.”