A DEVELOPER has launched an appeal in a bid to secure planning permission to build a controversial 455-home mini village.

More than 800 residents submitted objections to This Land Development's plans to build 455 homes close to the A127 and in-between Stadium Way and Daws Heath Road, Thundersley.

Plans were thrown out by Castle Point Council in December over concerns around the loss of green belt land and following a huge campaign from residents.

Now, the developer has lodged an appeal with the Government’s planning inspectorate claim there is a desperate need for housing in Castle Point due to the council’s failure to put a local plan in place.

Tim Copsey, a Daws Heath resident, strongly opposed the plans.

After hearing about the appeal, he said: “Developers are relentless in their pursuit to wipeout our green spaces.

“They do not like being refused permission by councils.

“Many of us have dedicated years of our lives to protect our area so we are not surprised that developers appeal to the planning inspectorate.

“I am confident the council will put up a robust defence. Ultimately the fate of our community will be in the hands of the government planning inspector.

“I never go into a battle contemplating defeat. This land is vast and the best quality green belt there is.

“Were this to be built on, it would have a huge negative consequence for the whole of Castle Point.”

In the developers plans, they add that outdoor play is an “essential ingredient of a happy, healthy childhood” and have included a large, equipped play area, a fishing lake, space for relaxing and play, as well as multiple areas of woodland for walking and informal play.

In the statement confirming the appeal, the developer believes that “very special circumstances” outweigh the identified harm to the green belt on the site, on a plot of land known as “land east of Rayleigh Road”.

The document adds: “There is an acute need for new affordable housing in the borough.

“The consistent and sustained failure to adopt a sound local plan in the borough has also delayed the provision and delivery of much needed new community infrastructure to ensure sufficient capacity across education and health institutions exists for local residents.”