PLANs for hundreds of homes on "valuable land" that "deserves protection" have been agreed, despite concerns from residents and councillors.

The plans are for 250 homes on land near Bakers Farm Close, Southend Road, Wickford. The land is former farmland with a public footpath running through part of it. The wider site also features projected Roman roads, a cremation burial area, and existing Second World War-era pillboxes.

The development is set to include 11.2hectares of public open space to the north-east of the site. The main access for vehicles is proposed via a new roundabout junction on Southend Road, near the southern part of the site.

Basildon Borough Council's planning committee discussed the proposals at a meeting on November 5. A worried resident who walks across part of this site every day, told the meeting: "This isn't just space on a map, it's part of our daily lives, our wellbeing and our community.

"This is not a standard planning application; it's not about building more houses, it's about the destruction of something irreplaceable for nature, for history and for the future of Wickford. This land holds history, life and ecological purpose; it's not just spare land, it's valuable land, and it deserves protection."

Eunice Brockman, leader of the Wickford Independents Group, raised concerns about the impact on exciting roads, doctors' surgeries and schools.

She added: "As representatives of our communities, our foremost responsibility is to protect the interests and well-being of our residents. I therefore urge you all to give this application the serious consideration it deserves, and to recognise this development is inappropriate and unsustainable."

A spokesman for the developer told the meeting: "Alongside officers, we've engaged with other key stakeholders to ensure this is a proposal that delivers meaningful benefit whilst avoiding harm. It provides an opportunity for the council to support much-needed housing and, more critically, affordable housing in a suitable location.

"The proposals secure up to 250 homes, of which 50 per cent will be affordable, including homes for affordable rent, social rent and shared ownership. The work completed to support the application, alongside the responses received from technical officers and consultees, demonstrates there are few harms which arise from the proposals."