Controversial plans to build 1,500 homes behind Basildon Hospital are "imminent", according to a councillor.

And English Partnerships, the Government body behind the proposals, has admitted it may go ahead with a planning application before Basildon Council can decide whether the land should become green belt.

Furious residents of Dry Street, Rantree Fold and surrounding roads stormed out of a meeting held by English Partnerships in October after three options for the land were presented to them.

As well as the option of having 1,500 homes built on the land with community amenities such as a doctor's surgery and a school, there is also a proposal to build 800 houses with no school or health facilities, or keep the site as it is but with minor improvements made.

English Partnerships owns the land but there is currently a dispute with Basildon Council, as the council wants to turn the land into a green belt site. If, after an inquiry, it is decided that the land is greenbelt, it is thought English Partnerships will have to drop their proposals.

A report following the feedback workshop has been distributed to all interested parties, detailing a summary of proposals so far, but Geoff Williams (Lib Dem, Nethermayne) is sceptical.

He said: "I have heard they are going for the full development. We have been half expecting them to submit an application since before Christmas.

"If they do and it ends up going to appeal, it will come down to the opinion of the inspector appointed. It is imminent."

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