Billericay cul-de-sac residents fear green belt development

The Courtlands cul-de-sac, off London Road, is bordered on three sides by green belt land with all three sites being included as potential sites in Basildon Council’s draft local plan consultation. 

The residents fear new homes would destroy their beloved views, increase congestion and have a crippling impact on infrastructure that is “already struggling to cope”.

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Residents have put up signs protesting the development of green belt land (Image: George Pizani) Beryl Greenley, 88, raised her children in her Courtlands home and said she has always adored the rural location.

“We’re going to be surrounded all the way around. It is absolutely wicked,” said Beryl.

“Our main concern is the destruction of the green belt and the increase of traffic. The main road is already so busy, and this will make life seriously impossible.” 

Bob and Maureen Thomas remember watching their home be built 50 years ago (Image: George Pizani) The Courtlands cul-de-sac sits within Basildon Council’s Burstead Ward, which Conservative councillor for Billericay East Ward, Andrew Schrader described as “getting a disproportionate battering by the Local Plan”.

He believes that the fact the communities in Burstead sit on the outskirts of Billericay means that they will feel the greatest impact of the green belt developments.

Like Beryl, Maureen and Bob Thomas are also worried about how their neighbourhood will change if development of the surrounding green belt goes ahead.

The couple remember watching their home being built, and said there have already been considerable changes during their 50 years on the cul-de-sac.

“I can’t even bear to think about it if I’m being honest with you,” said Maureen 73. “It will change everything. We’re looking at having a massive supermarket right opposite our house. It will completely alter the look and feel of this area.”

Judith and Alasdair Milne enjoy sweeping views of farmland from their home (Image: George Pizani)

The Courtlands cul-de-sac sits within Basildon Council’s Burstead Ward, which Conservative councillor for Billericay East Ward, Andrew Schrader described as “getting a disproportionate battering by the Local Plan”. 

He believes the fact the communities in Burstead sit on the outskirts of Billericay means they will feel the greatest impact of the green belt developments.

For Judith and Alasdair Milne, whose Courtlands home enjoys sweeping views of the surrounding green belt land, the prospect of losing their rural environment is particularly painful.

“We feel like we’re on a frontier,” said Judith. “We are not NIMBYs, but this view is so important to us. It’s been in our lives for so long and we are so lucky to have had it. It will be devastating to lose it”.