Fears that Basildon district may be forced to try and accommodate more housing have been provoked by another independent report, this time reviewing proposals for the development of Essex up to 2011.

The report is a review of the Essex and Southend Replacement Structure Plan and was compiled after a public examination carried out by a government-appointed panel.

Its findings have been viewed with mixed feelings by Basildon District Council.

Environment Committee Chairman, Cllr Loraine Rossati, said: "My reaction to this report is very mixed as on one hand it boosts our fight to become part of the Thames Gateway.

''However, on the other hand it upholds the view of Essex County Council that this district should find room for an additional 1,000 homes by 2011, and then adds another 1,000 on top of that.

"This will add to the pressure for the development on green field sites in the district.''

The report follows a recent Panel review of the draft Regional Planning Guidance for the South East.

This provoked consternation by recommending the building of around 150,000 houses in Essex by 2016. Both reports have gained little support from district councillors.

Billericay East councillor, Mark Hersom, said: "There is always pressure for more housing, but I simply cannot see where they are going to put this level of development."

Wickford North councillor, Tony Ball, said: "It is a hell of a lot more houses to try and find space for in the district.

''If, however, we do have to have more housing I hope the proper infrastructure will be put in place."

The district council hopes to try and keep any additional developments within existing urban or brown field sites.

The other issue of inclusion in the Thames Gateway has been a central concern for the council as it would gain Basildon priority status for investment and economic development.

In the latest report Basildon was identified as having a "key role in the regeneration of South Essex and provides an attractive environment for inward investment."

The panel report is to be discussed at the next meeting of the Council's Environment Committee scheduled for Wednesday January 26.

The report will be used by the County Council and Southend Council in completing its final structure plan to be released for public scrutiny next year.

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