Campaigners have hit out at councillors who have given the thumbs up to controversial plans to build luxury homes on wildlife-rich land.

Rochford Council approved proposals for 66 homes on Etheldore Avenue and Wood Avenue in Hockley on Thursday night - despite fears about how wildlife would be affected.

Young eco-warriors set up camp on the site on Monday to fight the cause of great crested newts, an endangered species.

They have vowed to continue the fight and have asked for support from eco-warriors who are protesting at the site of the proposed widening of the A130.

Maria Tugwell, mother of 15-year-campaigner Christiana, said: "They are staying on the site to decide what action to take.

"The objections raised by various groups have not been addressed and we wish to ensure any conditions imposed on the planning permission are met."

English Nature and the Essex Wildlife Trust were drafted in to give advice on the relocation of the newts, slow worms and common lizards.

On their recommendations, Rochford District Council agreed that moving the creatures to a site half a mile away would be enough to ensure their survival.

Residents who complained to the council had many concerns about the development including the effect on wildlife, additional traffic and the lack of space in schools and doctors' surgeries.

Concerns about the inadequacy of access to GP practices in the area due to oversubscribing were allayed by the announcement of a cash boost from the Government.

Committee chairman RA report from the planning appeals inspector in 1988 originally favoured plans to build 144 houses on the same site. This has been reduced to the 66 four, five and six bedroom homes.

Councillor Elizabeth Hart (Con, Hockley West) was full of praise for the way the plans had worked out.

She said: "We know how much time and effort has gone into the proposal and I congratulate everyone involved."

However, campaigners who attended the meeting were not pleased with the outcome.

One resident said: "I am not at all happy on the wildlife situation. I'm surprised that so few questions were asked by the councillors."

Keen on green - young eco-warriors are prepared to fight the homes plan

Picture: ROBIN WOOSEY

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