IF local councils lose their powers over planning decisions, it would be "catastrophic", say worried south Essex residents. 

Basildon residents fear the impact of government plans to strip local councils of their planning powers, in an effort to increase house building.

Several spoke up after the government set new targets for Basildon Borough Council, which could result in almost 30,000 homes being built over the next 20 years. 

Under new plans outlined by housing secretary Steve Reed, local councils will be instructed not to block projects of more than 150 homes, with the government having the final say on whether the proposals proceed.

Residents have raised serious concerns about the proposals and worry about the impact on "packed out" doctors' surgeries and "gridlocked" Essex roads. 

Jerry Greensward, 57, from Basildon, said: "It's going to be awful if they do this. If this goes ahead, it will destroy all our green spaces and open fields. I don't understand why they won't look at brownfield sites and also empty homes – this is a good answer, I think.

"It will be catastrophic for Basildon, the surrounding areas, and open green space. I worry about what it means for urban sprawl and towns joining up and mass overdevelopment."

The Government has pledged to build 1.5 million new homes within the current Parliament. In the past, Essex councils have been placed under special measures by the then Conservative government for failing to agree on too many housing plans. 

Basildon grandmother, Barbara Cox, 71, added: "It's shocking and unbelievable. It is unbelievable that it can even be considered. I don't understand it at all, I worry it'll see Basildon and all the surrounding towns and villages combine together – I think it'll be monstrous.

"I think it means we will see more and more very large developments, as developers will think they have more chance of plans being passed. It seems like there is no discussion about infrastructure or how to make this plan sustainable at all."

Jenny Wood, 31, raised fears about infrastructure and "overstretched" services. She insisted the Government's plans will only make the situation worse. She added: "It's hard enough to see doctors or medical professionals already, our roads are in a bad state and always gridlocked everywhere.

"I also worry about power and control being taken away from councils, it could mean decision makers are in the central Government and they don't know the local issues and are so detached from it all."