CAMPAIGNERS claim controversial plans to force the closure and redevelopment of two industrial estates have been slipped into a council planning document “at the last minute”.

Some Hockley residents are concerned about Rochford Dis-trict Council proposals affecting the town’s Eldon Way and Foundry industrial estates, which could see them be used as housing and the businesses relocated.

The proposals are among options proposed in the council’s Hockley Area Action Plan, which aims to revitalise the town centre.

Pressure groups the Hockley Residents Association and Hock-ley Under Threat said the plans had also been put into Rochford District Council’s core strategy document, a blueprint for future development in the district.

The groups are both urging their members and the public to oppose the core strategy scheme, during its consultation period.

Brian Guyett, chairman of the residents group, said: “The council is proposing the compulsory relocation of the two industrial estates to make room for development including an estimated 150 or 200 homes.

“The council is also proposing to build a new industrial estate on green belt land at the airport and it is expected many of the existing businesses will relocate to this site.

“These proposals have been included at the last moment without any announcement and we do not believe most residents are aware of the implications.

“We are encouraging everyone to object to the proposals.”

Gabrielle Yeadell, chairman of Hockley Under Threat, added: “The council has ignored the 95 per cent rejection rate of its own consultation on the action plan and is trying to impose change without discussion.

“We hope members will reconsider.”

But Keith Hudson, the district councillor responsible for planning, said there had always been a reference to the industrial estates in the core strategy.

He added: “The strategy says in the case of the Eldon Way and Foundry industrial estates the nature of any redevelopment would include employment uses.

“We will look at the opportunities for more valuable and appropriate uses of the industrial land between Hockley station and the town centre, potentially as a mixed development.”

To find out more about the core strategy document, call the council on 01702 318191. The consultation ends at 5pm on November 2.