FURIOUS councillors are uniting against plans to build 250 homes which they fear will “destroy” the green belt and cause huge problems for residents.

Last month, a planning application was submitted to Basildon Council to build 250 homes on land west of Laindon Road, in Billericay.

The plans include the creation of a new vehicular access road off Laindon Road, additional green infrastructure, and parking.

However, several Billericay councillors have begun to unite and raise major concerns as they object to the proposed plans.

This included the harm to the green belt, the impact to the infrastructure, as well as increased traffic pressures.

Andrew Schrader, councillor responsible for Billericay East, said: “This location scored highly as contributing to the purposes of the green belt and the acknowledged need for additional housing should not outweigh the harm 250 homes would do to the openness of the green belt.

“I am also concerned that this proposed development could contribute to a coalescence between the town of Billericay and Little Burstead, closing the gap that separates these two communities, resulting in urban sprawl.

“The highway authority should also have care for the additional traffic that will be generated on Laindon Road, which is already very busy and subject to regular congestion.

“I urge officers to recommend the application to be refused, and colleagues on the planning committee to do so.”

The proposed development includes 27 one-bed flats, 35 two-bed flats, 60 two-bed houses, 82 three-bed houses, and 46 four-bed houses.

Phil Turner, councillor responsible for Billericay West, also raised concerns and said the impact on infrastructure would be “destructive”, He added: “I have written an objection on this site too. It is not in my exact ward, but its impact will be felt.

“This application is in the green belt, but this land is currently used for agriculture, and the NPPF states such land should be avoided for development. There is also the question of bio diversity and the harm to the ancient woodland.

“There is an underlying concern around the pressure on infrastructure, but planners completely ignore the impact as if it doesn’t exist, despite the destructive legacy it will have on our town.”