Plan for 700 new homes enrages residents
2:32pm Friday 19th November 2010
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ANGRY homeowners are furious at proposals which could see hundreds of homes built on their doorstep.
Up to 700 houses are earmarked for east Clacton as part of a blueprint for the town’s growth.
But residents next to the proposed site say any major development will ruin their lives.
They have formed an action group to fight the proposals.
Daphne Chaplin, of Sladbury’s Lane, fears residents’ views over open fields will vanish under acres of concrete if the land is officially listed for new homes by council bosses.
There are also proposals to expand Valley Farm holiday park on the same site.
“You’re talking about concreting over farmland – it’s sacrilege,” said Mrs Chaplin.
“We are trying to protect our lifestyles and way of life. It’s our future at stake here.”
Tendring Council officials are currently giving people the chance have their say on a huge 160-page masterplan that sets out
their vision for the district over the next 20 years.
The action group wants the east Clacton proposals ditched.
Residents fear there will be no way to prevent hundreds of new homes being developed if it becomes official council policy.
Mrs Chaplin says their road is already a short-cut for drivers heading to Clacton Factory Outlet.
The retired social worker fears house prices will plummet if the holiday park is expanded. There are also concerns about flooding and noise.
“It’s like we are being steamrollered over,” she said.
“Unless we make a stand what is the point of being British. The British bulldog spirit is still there and every Englishman and woman’s home is their castle.
“Residents are up in arms about it.”
Councillor Joy Broderick said more homes would make Sladbury’s Lane a “nightmare”.
“It’s already used as a rat-run,” she said.
“Residents are really, really worried – it’s so unfair. They were there first.”
Spokesman Nigel Brown said: “We would urge the residents in Sladbury’s Lane to provide us with their feedback by the December 6 deadline and it will be considered before we finalise the document.”
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