CAMPAIGNERS are urging residents to have their say over plans for 600 new homes on green belt fields in Rochford.

The proposals for a new estate and a new primary school will be discussed by Rochford district councillors early next year at a special meeting.

Ahead of the meeting members of the West Rochford Action Group are set to drop letters to about 250 homes in the area which would be immediately affected by the new estate.

Bellway Homes Ltd hopes to develop on fields adjoining Hall Road, Rochford.

The site is situated on land between the north of Hall Road, south of Ironwell Lane and behind Oak Road and is more than 88 acres.

Alison Henwood, 66, chairman of the action group, who lives in nearby St Andrew’s Road, said: “Our main concern is traffic. Peak times are diabolical on Hall Road, sometimes you wait ages to get out into Hall Road and another 600 homes and two new access roads will mean the area is absolute gridlock.

“There are other developments, for example the expansion of the airport, which will already add to the traffic in the area.

“The site is prime farmland so the group feels it is stupidity to concrete over such prime green belt farm land.”

Maurice Drage, a member of the action group, who has lived in Hall Road for more than 30 years, added: “We have put in a written objection and we will be presenting an oral objection on the night.”

As part of the proposals, almost 30 acres of the site would be devoted to public open space.

There will also be two roads to the estate from Hall Road and new pedestrian and cycle links to the town centre.

Letters will be posted to residents in Oak Road, Hall Road and St Andrew’s Road early next year.

The council’s development committee will meet on January 18 at 7.30pm at the Civic Suite, in Hockley Road, Rayleigh.