OUTRAGED residents are demanding an urgent re-think after more than a dozen homes could be built at the end of an "extremely narrow" street.

Around 20 homes could be built on the land at the end of Sandhill Road, Eastwood, according to Rochford Council's local plan.

But the "disastrous" proposals have infuriated residents living nearby, with fears raised over access to the site, impact on wildlife, and disruption to the already congested surrounding area.

The land in question backs directly onto Shelley Fuller's property.

The 46-year-old who lives in Tudor Mews, said: "Myself and other residents were told that planning was previously refused on this site in 2004 for a one-bed dwelling, yet Rochford Council now deem that it could be suitable for up to 20 houses.

"This would take away the natural habitat for bats, woodpeckers, owls, badgers, foxes and muntjac which are all regularly seen on this land. Its a well-used piece of green belt land, it's just crazy to even consider it.

"The road is also extremely busy and very congested already, buses have even stopped going down there where they can't get through.

"Sandhill Road is also a very narrow private road, which is single lane, so access on that land is extremely difficult."

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While Eastwood resident Kimberley O'Connell has called for a balance between the looming housing targets from the Government and the impact this could have on families in the area.

The 46-year-old, said: "I grew up down that end of Eastwood and the road is small.

"But you can't blame the council, it's the Government who are the ones enforcing these housing targets.

"They have got to put them somewhere and respond with plans or they lose their say altogether, but its about striking the right balance."

A spokesman from Rochford Council, said: "The council is currently consulting on its Spatial Options document – a key stage in the preparation of the Rochford new local plan.

"As part of the consultation, all sites within the district put forward for development by developers and landowners over the next 20 years are included. The site suggestions will be used to inform the preparation of the new local plan, however it is very important to understand that inclusion of a site at this stage, does not determine whether a site should be allocated for development.

"You can view physical copies of the consultation in libraries and council offices, or send comments in via email to: spatialoptions@rochford.gov.uk"