Protesters fighting plans for 77 new homes picketed planning officers and councillors during a site visit.
Parkeston Environmental Group (Peg) created a seven ft-wide gauge to show how emergency vehicles, such as fire engines, might not be able to get through if the Una Road development goes ahead.
The group is concerned extra traffic created by a new estate could clog narrow village roads.
The meeting took place because district councillors wanted to discuss concerns with highway representatives.
Driving instructor Dave Kirkman, chairman of Peg, said: "They came down here and had a real problem finding somewhere to park and they had to reverse up the road and there were all sorts of problems.
"With all the cars parked, it left a narrow strip down the middle of the road and it showed that if there was an emergency, a fire engine would not have been able to get through."
The pressure group is also concerned about the health and safety issues of building homes near the Carless petrol site.
Essex County Council's highway department has already shown no objection to Barratt Eastern Counties plans.
The "brickfield site" has outline planning permission but details are still to be approved.
Ramsey and Parkeston Parish Council has objected to the development but planning officers have recommended approval for the development.
Published Monday, January 20, 2003
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