Residents in Rochford are angry over plans to build an industrial estate on an open piece of land in front of their homes.

Business units and car showrooms are earmarked for the 28-acre site off Cherry Orchard Way.

Essex County Council which owns the area, has asked Rochford Council for outline planning permission to develop the site.

Around 20 acres would be used for industrial purposes, while the eight acres that forms the frontage would be developed as car showrooms.

However, people living in Lundy Close claim such a development is unnecessary.

Electrician, Michael Barwell, said: "We cannot see why the land must be used for heavy industry. There are many estates in this area, all of which have vacancies, and we have plenty of existing car showrooms.

"I've looked at the plans, and the roads and turning areas marked out are massive and obviously designed for articulated lorries. We are going to have so much noise and disturbance on our doorsteps."

He added: "Just the other day I saw a deer on the site, and I know there are other wildlife species living there. However, we can accept the site may need to be developed but surely as it is so close to our homes it should be housing."

His wife Cheryl added: "The council claims the scheme will generate lots of jobs but I can only see short-term building jobs being created. There are loads of units to let on the surrounding industrial estates, so I don't see why they need another one."

The residents also feel the scheme is being railroaded through with no opportunity to protest at the details.

Mr Barwell said: "The majority of people think it is a foregone conclusion."

Planning officers are hoping to produce an interim report which will be presented to councillors in mid-February, and they hope to have all the details by around Easter.

Steve Heading, Rochford's head of planning, said: "The land is earmarked in the local plan for employment generating development.

"Obviously we want to deal with the scheme as quickly as possible but there are various rules and regulations we must observe so it will take a few months before we will be in a position to put the full plan before councillors."

Angry - residents gather to voice their protest at development plans

Picture: MIKE BELLENIE

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