While Great Leighs welcomes news that it is to have a bypass at last, fears are surfacing that the village could be swamped with new homes as a result.

There is already agreement in principle, and provision made in the local plan, for 285 homes to be built between the village and the new bypass, which should be open in the autumn of 2002.

A substantial contribution from the intending developer, David Wilson Homes, is required towards the £21 million cost of the scheme.

But some locals are worried about rumours that many more homes -- a figure of up to 400 more has been mentioned -- could be needed to make the whole project commercially viable.

There are approximately 500 properties in Great Leighs village at present.

Borough councillor Alan Willsher said that developer contributions would probably have to include cash towards infrastructure improvements such as extensions to the school and possibly allotments.

"When you consider all of this, it is difficult to see how they can make that type of contribution out of 285 properties," he said.

There were rumours that other land was being looked at, with figures of up to another 400 homes being spoken of, he added.

There were also concerns about the possible effect on local businesses if more shops were developed to serve the new homes, and about traffic problems.

"A worry is that a lot of the traffic coming off that development will be commuting to London," said Cllr Willsher. "Although there is a railway station at Braintree, people will probably commute to Chelms-ford."

Mr Richard Monks-field, Great Leighs sub-postmaster and owner of the village shop, said that villagers wanted a bypass because the present road through the village was dangerous and congested.

But there were fears that more than 285 homes could be sought and worries about the implications for facilities such as the school and the village hall.

"There are all sorts of environmental issues to be considered," he said.

And more homes could mean more shops.

"You could get some big company coming in, cutting all their prices, and clearing off the opposition," he said.

"We are happy about the bypass but, at the end of the day it remains to be seen, because we have been told before that it is going to be started and nothing happens."

David Wilson Estates press officer Rachel Birkitt said: "We want to see this scheme delivered and we are still committed to it. We are waiting to receive details on the funding package."

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