A Benfleet resident fears auctioning off of a former ranger's house in Hadleigh Castle Country Park could lead to redevelopment which could harm the park's wildlife.

The four-bedroomed property, called Ray View, sits off an unmade road in the park and is due to go to auction on Wednesday, with a guide price of £400,000.

The property was most recently home to ranger Tony Dovaston. Castle Point Council has decided to sell it after Mr Dovaston decided to move.

But neighbour John Stack, of St Mary's Road, fears the former maternity home might now fall into the hands of developers, angling to build several upmarket homes on the site.

He is also concerned a new access road would disrupt valuable wildlife habitat.

Mr Stack said: "It doesn't take a rocket scientist to think the site has the potential to be redeveloped and a new road built.

"Many species of bugs live there, plus foxes and badgers. All of that could be disturbed if use of the track increases and the site is redeveloped.

"Green belt land is very precious to us and we must fiercely protect it."

The retired IT consultant said he would rather see the property used as a wildlife museum or demolished.

The decision to sell the building has not gone before councillors in public session.

Instead, it was agreed by council leader Pam Challis and deputy leader Jeff Stanley, under powers delegated to them.

Andrew Smith, the council's chief legal officer, said the area would be protected by the council's green belt guidelines.

He added: "The council has been contacted by a resident expressing these concerns and a personal reply has been sent.

"The council appreciates residents value the amenity provided by the country park.

"The site is specifically protected under green belt policies."

He added the council intended to use the proceeds from the sale to fund other community projects.