AN MP has branded Castle Point’s housing plan “unsound” as she criticised any proposed plans to build on green belt land.

Castle Point council is in the process of putting together its housing plan to build 5,000 homes by 2033, but Castle Point MP Rebecca Harris has raised major concerns.

During a hearing into the plan on Friday, the MP criticised the council for ruling out a site in the north west of Thundersley.

She believes the site could have seen thousands of homes built, without any green belt being lost and argued the Tory council’s plans are “not justified”.

During the meeting, Ms Harris said: “I don’t see how the plan can be justified because they are only able to put the green belt sites in the plan that they have by discounting the north west Thundersley site.

“We now know that the council is looking to mitigate that site.

“They have first of all not justified the plan and not done the work that they needed to on the density of the town centre and main road site.

“They have said themselves that its historic work so I don’t know how they can move onto greenbelt land.

“They have not demonstrated to me that they have got exceptional circumstances.

“I think it’s an unsound plan because they have already said they are working to make that site deliverable so I think there’s evidence here that is is not a sound plan.”

Residents have welcomed the support from Ms Harris, branding it a “game changer” in their fight against any proposed developments on green belt land.

Castle Point resident, Tim Copsey said: “It’s very welcomed to have our MP speak out so strongly and back what the residents have been fighting for so long.

“We still feel we’re up against it but this does help.

“Their own MP from their own party has said that their plan is unsound.”

Thundersley resident, Andie Freeston added: “I think it’s brilliant. I couldn’t believe it when I saw that she had spoken up on our behalf.

“It’s such a big statement. I thought thank god for that she’s on our side. It’s a game changer it’s just amazing.”

Castle Point Council have been contacted for comment.