Plans to build a “massive” new industrial estate on a farm near the A127 have sparked fears it caused huge traffic issues. 

Residents supported by the Bowers Gifford and North Benfleet Parish Council have shared their fears over increase traffic and pollution, amid plans to build seven large warehouses at Bradfields Farm in Pitsea.

St Modwen Logistics, which runs business parks across the country and has clients such as Amazon and DHL, submitted plans to Basildon Council in February.

If approved, the new warehouses would be built on green belt land between the Burnt Mills Industrial Estate, in Pitsea, and North Benfleet.

Echo: Concept - how the industrial warehouses are expected to look.Concept - how the industrial warehouses are expected to look. (Image: St Modwen)

The firm believes the major proposals could create 1,750 jobs and generate millions of pounds per year in business rate revenue.

However, the plans have been met with fierce opposition from those living nearby.

Clare Cushing, 47, of Burnt Mills Road, Pitsea, said: “I’m absolutely dead set against it.

“It’s been farmland for 101 years. To replace it with something like a huge Amazon depot that just isn’t the right fit.

“Pollution is already so bad on that stretch of the A127 that the speed has been lowered to reduce it.”

Echo: Site - the land has reportedly been used for farming for over 100 years.Site - the land has reportedly been used for farming for over 100 years. (Image: Google)

A 50 mile-per-hour speed limit was introduced on the A127 in 2020, after parts were found to exceed legal nitrogen dioxide limits.

Clare says she and her neighbours have submitted their objections to the plans, in a bid to change them.

However, she added: “It’s a massive company, so it feels like a David and Goliath situation. I don’t think we’ll get it canned, but we might get it adapted.”

Echo: Concerned - resident Clare Cushing says she is 'dead set against' the plans.Concerned - resident Clare Cushing says she is 'dead set against' the plans. (Image: Clare Cushing)

A spokesman for Bowers Gifford and North Benfleet Parish council said: “We will support residents as much as we can, and have submitted comments regarding the application.

“We have concerns about various aspects, including the location of warehouses on greenbelt land, extra traffic, and the fact the warehouses could obstruct residents’ views.”

Echo: Support - Councillor Patricia Reid says she understands residents' concerns.Support - Councillor Patricia Reid says she understands residents' concerns. (Image: Ben Shahrabi)

Patricia Reid, Labour councillor for Pitsea north west, said: “I can understand residents being concerned, as it covers a very large area.

“I don’t agree with building on greenbelt but if it’s bringing employment to Pitsea, that can only be a good thing.

“But not if it causes major hold-ups, traffic jams, and more potholes. Infrastructure must be properly considered.”

A spokesperson for St. Modwen Logistics said: “Our plans to deliver more than 1.2 million square feet of modern and highly sustainable employment space in Basildon will deliver a biodiversity net gain of nearly 25 per cent and make a substantial contribution towards the acute need for industrial and logistics development in the region.

"In addition, as well as improving local transport infrastructure, the development will create more than 1,750 jobs and generate millions of pounds for the area in annual business rates. We look forward to engaging with all local stakeholders and addressing any potential concerns.”