More than 6,000 residents voted against plans to build on Canvey's green belt when the results of an unofficial referendum were counted last night.

The result is a resounding rejection to Castle Point Council plans to build on green space near the Dutch Village, with 99 per cent of a grand total of 6,493 votes cast opposing the move.

The council are planning to build more than 400 homes on the island as part of the core strategy, which outlines housebuilding plans throughout the borough up to 2026.

The proposals to build on the island were bitterly opposed by local residents, who formed the Canvey Greenbelt Campaign Campaign in response.

Volunteers from the group spent the last four weekends criss-crossing the island to find out residents views.

Graham Bracci chairman of the campaign, said: “We are absolutely delighted. It is a better result than we could have wished for. All credit to the campaign, the volunteers and the residents, who were clearly grateful for having a chance to voice the opinion on a straight forward question.”

“We knocked on Canvey resident’s doors and the people have spoken, the council officers should respond in an honest way.”