Deputy Prime Minister John Prescott should not let developers' interests over-ride those of local communities when deciding the number of new homes in Essex, a county councillor has warned.

Ken Jones, leader of the Liberal Democrat Group on Essex County Council, said: "Almost everyone agrees the housing proposals threaten our countryside and could change the character of Essex.

"The plans don't take into account the county's infrastructure and will lead to even more congestion and environmental damage. Understandably, building companies support these proposals because they see the chance of increased profits, but John Prescott must not put the developers' interests before those of local people and the environment."

He added: "It is possible to meet the needs of local people for housing without concreting over so many green fields."

A Government inspector's report recommends that 7,500 new homes a year should be built in Essex.

Mr Jones made his comments following a meeting of the East of England Regional Assembly in Chelmsford which discussed the plans.

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