LABOUR is boycotting Basildon Council’s annual civic service in protest at plans to build hundreds of homes on Gloucester Park.

The council holds a Civic Service every year to celebrate the local authority’s achievements over the previous 12 months.

The meeting, which takes place tonight, is traditionally attended by councillors from all the main political parties, but leader of the Labour group, Lynda Gordon, is not attending or sending anyone in her place.

Her stance is in protest against the ruling Tories’ controversial proposals for 375 new homes on the site of Gloucester Park swimming pool and an adjoining crescent of 144 town houses.

The plans could be approved during a planning meeting at the Towngate Theatre tomorrow night.

Mrs Gordon said: “To share this type of platform, and listen to meaningless clap trap made by the people who residents and the Labour group strongly believe are destroying the new town would be wrong, and a slap in the face to all those residents who have contacted us to oppose the Tories’ actions.

“The Tories’ continued pursuance of land to pay for the hideously expensive Sporting Village shows a complete and utter disregard for residents’ wishes and detrimentally impacts upon their mental and physical wellbeing.

“I can’t ignore this and will not form part of any self-congratulating get-together.”

More than 1,200 people have objected to the development, and objectors will take part in a fancy dress protest before the meeting at 7.30pm.

Most of the 375 homes would be two-bedroom flats, with about 18 one-bedroom homes. Up to 112 of the properties would be designated affordable.

The site application also involves creating a boulevard to the town centre, a new lake, bowling club, play area and car parking.

Some claim it will lead to a loss of open space, trees and wildlife, put strain on public services, and say it breaches a restrictive covenant on the park banning residential development.