NEW plans have been submitted to build more than 60 homes on green belt land close to Billericay Football Club.

Developer Dove Jeffery Homes is behind plans to build 32 houses as well as a 30-unit sheltered housing facility to help provide “rented affordable accommodation for older residents”.

The 30-unit sheltered housing facility site has been designed to meet the specific requirements of CWL Housing which is a charitable organisation and housing association providing homes for elderly residents.

The site is close to both Billericay Town Football Club and Billericay Tennis Club but residents have raised major concerns about the green belt location.

Nearby resident Gavin Taylor, 62, said: “Green belt should not be built on.

“The entrance to the proposal is near the traffic lights and will increase the already congested Tye Common Road.

“This will bring in extra cars. I know developers harp on about a walk or cycle to shops but in reality, many are going to use a car.

“It is too much for this area.

“Billericay already has issues with congestion without further developments.”

The 30 self-contained flats are a mix of three-bedroom and four-bedroom homes.

All 62 homes have green roofs to contribute to the “development’s net biodiversity gain”.

The 30 flats in the sheltered housing facility would be “affordable rented flats” for over 60s, according to the plans.

The 32 terraced and semi-detached houses are proposed for open market sale.

In the application, the developers state: “The significant benefits associated with these proposals include high quality new housing on a sustainable and well-contained edge of town site, much-needed new housing, both market and affordable, and a development well-located in relation to local services, facilities and public transport provision.”

Plans will be decided on by Basildon Council at a later date.