More than 150 new homes could be built in a multimillion-pound development of the former Laindon High School site, it was revealed today.

Essex County Council has submitted an outline planning application to Basildon Council to build 165 flats and houses on the site, to the west of High Road, Laindon.

Should the plans be successful, the four-acre site will contain 60 two-bedroom houses, 43 three-bedroom houses and 11 four-bedroom houses, 19 one-bedroom flats and 32 two-bedroom flats.

A new road would provide access to traffic from High Road, with the cul-de-sac encircling 66 of the properties. The remaining 99 would be situated around the access road's outer edge.

Car parking and open spaces will also be provided, along with a number of trees.

But today, Laindon ward county councillor Rachel Liebescheutz<OK> spoke out against the plans, suggesting the area would be better served if the land were used for recreation.

She said: "I know the local Labour group in Basildon has opposed such a development of this particular site on the grounds that it is the only bit of green we have in the area and the access is so poor.

"We would rather it is left as a green area, perhaps for use by local sports clubs."

Basildon Council leader Malcolm Buckley, meanwhile, said he would rather see the land developed than left as it is.

He said: "However, anybody who says it should stay as it is may be being a bit unrealistic." over the plans, or when a decision will be made by councillors.