PLANS are being drawn up to build 99 homes on green belt land in Wickford, sparking fury from residents and councillors.

Residents living around Castledon Road have received a leaflet from developer Merrow Wood over plans to build new homes in the area.

According to the leaflet, a consultation is being launched over potential plans to build 99 homes on land west of Castledon Road.

Residents have reacted furiously on social media.

Stuart Allen, Conservative councillor responsible for the Castledon and Crouch ward, is not in favour of the proposal.

He said: “This development is on green belt and so is not in any way acceptable to residents.

“There are yet empty homes to be taken up and brownfield areas redeveloped before development on green belt is acceptable.”

The leaflet states that the site would be a mix of one-bedroom maisonettes through to four-bedroom detached homes.

Out of the total, 35 per cent of homes are to be allocated for “various tenures of affordable housing”.

The developer has stated that this site was “historically allocated for development in the Basildon Plan”.

The development would also see large areas of open green space, river walkways, and a new public footpath connectivity between London Road and Castledon Road.

Merrow Wood is urging the residents to share their views during a public consultation event.

The leaflet read: “Our plans are evolving, and we are seeking your feedback and ideas to help us shape and finalise our planning submission which we hope to submit later in the summer.

“We have had initial pre-application discussions with Basildon, and now we want to hear from you.

“We are holding a consultation event on July 11 at Our Lady of Good Counsel RC Church at 61 London Road, in Wickford, between the hours of 3:30pm and 7pm.

“This will be an opportunity to inspect the plans, discuss the scheme with our team in person and give you valued feedback.”

For those who are unable to participate in person on July 11, an electronic copy of the presentation will be available on the company’s website www.MerrowWood.com/Wickford from that date.