BILLERICAY’S green belt is "under siege" with plans for more than 750 homes being considered - including a fresh application for 250 homes on “ancient woodland”.
Gleeson Land has submitted the latest application this week in the hope of Basildon Council approving plans to build the 250 homes on green belt land off Laindon Road.
It comes just six weeks after developer the CEG group's plans for 380 homes in Greens Farm Lane were submitted and Scott Properties proposal for 130 properties and a Lidl in London Road were unveiled.
The three proposals have sparked fury among residents and councillors who fear speculative developers are targeting the scenic town’s vibrant green belt because of Basildon Council’s lack of local plan.
Billericay West councillor, Phil Turner, has fiercely opposed the plans, calling it a “siege” by developers.
Artist's impression - how the Gleeson Land homes would look (Image: Gleeson Land)
He said: “Billericay is under siege, it is an open house now for developers and it is a real concern for residents and business, developers do favour green belt because it is cheaper than brownfield sites.
“We have had chances before in appeals, for instance, with the plans for 150-homes in Potash Road in January, they were thrown out because the inspectorate recognised the open aspect to the area and wanted to prevent sprawl.
“We don’t want to erode boundaries between towns, we are really not too far from Brentwood and while developers are to blame, I do feel it could have been a sensible development.”
Mr Turner also called the sheer number of homes planned on green belt in Billericay “crazy” and a risk to the town’s character.
“It is absolutely crazy, mind-blowing really, it is monumental in terms of the sheer number of developments and their potential to change our way of life,” he added.
“The whole picture of what it means to live in Billericay could change.”
The latest plans for 250 homes centre on 150-year-old woodland off Laindon Road on the edge of the town.
The design and access statement promises that “the proposed amount, layout and mix of housing will deliver both market and affordable market housing, for which there is a known demand in the town, and which will make a worthwhile contribution toward the ever-growing housing requirement of this area.”
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