A CAMPAIGN group which fought Government plans to build 1,200 homes on a beauty spot is re-forming after a new development threat emerged.

Yesterday, the Echo revealed Basildon Council and the Homes and Communities Agency want to develop homes and a business park on fields at Dry Street, Basildon, and South Essex College, formerly known as Basildon College.

The multi-million pound plans would fund a new college being built in Basildon town centre.

However, members of Green Action Group said there should be no building on the Dry Street fields, home to a mix of rare plants and invertebrates.

The group joined forces with the Echo’s Save Dry Street campaign, backed by 10,000 readers, in 2006, to end the earlier development plans. It has lain dormant since.

Edna McCready, 73, group secretary, said: “We are absolutely dismayed there are new plans. We will certainly be holding a meeting to discuss where to go next and organise petitions.”

Geoff Williams, Basildon’s Lib Dem group leader, who lives in Dry Street and is a member of the group, was shocked he had not been informed of the plans, despite part of them going in his ward of Nethermayne.

He said: “We will be mobilising the troops. I will be asking for all correspondence between the council, college and Homes and Communities Agency over this.”

Stephen Horgan, councillor responsible for regeneration, said the development would cover a maximum of 50 per cent of the 86-acre site, with more development on the college site.

Campaigners face a tougher battle this time, as during the Save Dry Street campaign, there was cross-party support with the ruling Tories on board. They are now prepared to allow some building on Dry Street provided the college gets the central location.