Almost 2500 new homes could be built in Basildon
Over 2,500 new homes could be built in and around a south Essex town despite local resistance.
People in Billericay are concerned that "urban sprawl" is changing the "nature of the area".
Recent plans for development near Greens Farm Lane have been submitted for planning approval.
CEG Land Promotions Limited and Fredrick Gordon and Co Limited are looking to build 310 new homes, a children’s play area, and new roads on the land.
Planning documents for the Greens Farm Lane site state: “Prioritising pedestrian and cyclist movement, the aim is to create a well-connected site that facilitates seamless connections to surrounding neighbourhoods in a fast, efficient, and high-quality manner."
Plans also include a new pedestrian and cycle link from Greens Farm Lane to Outwood Common Road Central and open landscape areas with walking routes.
This means Billericay could see as many as 2,690 new properties built, with proposals for 800 new homes still awaiting planning approval on farmland near Southend Road, Great Burstead.
The council has already agreed plans for 480 new homes off London Road.
Other approved applications include developments on Kennel Lane and Maitland Lodge, both greenbelt land.
Earlier this year Basildon Council was blasted for agreeing to too many plans, with campaigners saying the council will have “blood on its hands.”