Chelmsford's new Conservative-controlled borough council could drop the plans for 2,000 new homes at Boreham.

The Tory group had made the issue a key part of its campaign in the recent election in which it routed the Liberal Democrats.

This week, Councillor Neil Gulliver, cabinet member for planning and highways, confirmed that there would be an urgent review of the emerging borough plan.

"Dropping the 2,000 new homes at Boreham is being considered," he said.

"I hope to be able to make a statement at the executive meeting in June."

The plan includes proposals for the Boreham homes and a new railway station in the area.

Cllr Gulliver was responding to claims by Labour county councillor Neil Spurgeon, who raised the issue at a county cabinet meeting on Tuesday.

Cllr Spurgeon also suggested that the plan for a permanent new ground for Chelmsford City Football Club in that part of the borough could be in jeopardy.

He told the Conservative-controlled county cabinet: "There has been a sea change in the political situation. I think the Chelmsford north-eastern bypass, the new homes and Boreham rail station and, unfortunately, the Chelmsford City football ground may not come to fruition."

Cllr Gulliver said that the Conservative group on the borough council had consistently opposed the housing proposals for Boreham.

Published Thursday, May 22, 2003

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