"UNSUSTAINABLE" plans for 130 new homes on green belt land have been given planning permission despite concerns from local residents.

Basildon Council's planning committee has agreed to the demolition of existing buildings and the construction of up to 130 homes south of London Road, in Billericay. The meeting saw a busy public gallery, with six speakers against the plans, including residents and councillors.  

Developer M Scott Properties Limited is behind the proposals to build 130 one—to five-bedroom detached, semi-detached, and terraced houses and flats, of which 65 will be "affordable" properties.

Worried resident, Jacqueline Crowder, told the meeting: "London Road has constant traffic coming in and out of Billericay, it's very congested at peak times, often coming to a complete standstill. The London Road north application, across the road. has been approved for 450 houses, that, along with this application, will bring over 1,000 cars onto an already congested road. This is unsustainable and will cause many people anxiety which is a major issue in today's society. 

"No assessment has been undertaken on the effects of traffic in Billericay, amalgamating all the approved green belt developments. This application should be deferred and considered as part of a local plan with cohesive traffic infrastructure as a masterplan.

"Many other residents and commuters, including myself, have been brought to a complete standstill on more than one occasion due to floods from rainfall in the vicinity of this site. This is a persistent issue with rainfall and will only worsen with soil being concreted over."

Other concerns raised by residents at the meeting included a lack of affordable housing, impacts on wildlife and the environment, housing targets for the whole borough, and overdevelopment of Billericay. 

Pierre Farnsworth, a director of Scott Properties, told the committee the site is "sustainably located and well positioned to deliver much-needed new homes."

He added: "The scheme will deliver a range of social, economic and environment benefits to be secure throughout the section 106 agreement, including, up to 130 new homes on a part brown field site in a sustainable location, making a meaningful contribution to the borough's housing supply, 50 per cent affordable housing to address local needs including social rent, affordable rent and intermediate housing.

"Priority for the new market homes will be given to people who live or work within the borough, new publicly accessible open spaces, including play areas for children, a financial contribution towards local health care services, and off-site highways works."