GARDEN Communities are the only defence against so-called ‘predator developers’, a council leader has said.

The latest version of the district’s draft Local Plan was released on Monday, with a focus on large garden settlements.

Areas proposed so far include land west of Braintree, an area dubbed ‘West Tey’, Monks Wood in Pattiswick and a cluster of villages near Tendring.

Graham Butland, leader at Braintree Council, said garden communities would give local authorities more power to stand up against developers.

In March an appeal was won by Gladman to build 350 homes off Western Road in Silver End.

It cost £70,000 in taxpayers’ money for Braintree Council to defend its decision, and Mr Butland wants to avoid more appeals.

He said: “We accept there is a housing crisis in this country and we do not believe that should be filled by extending the boundaries of our towns.

“If we go down the Garden Community line it will be the local authority in control of the development.

“Developers won’t be able to do what they want, when they want.

“It’s potentially the biggest housing development in the country and it’s of vital importance we can provide jobs, educational facilities and health facilities.”

He said the council will look to work closely with campaign groups such as the Campaign Against Urban Sprawl in Essex to make sure infrastructure comes first.

He said: “I support that 100 per cent, and Garden Communities offer a strategic plan for infrastructure.

“We should be on exactly the same page as them.”

He agreed there would be some criticism over the proposed areas but said at this moment in time it should be about accepting the principle of new, large developments.

He said: “If you don’t have a Local Plan which can demonstrate a five year housing supply you become an open target for developers.”

Mr Butland said it would be ‘disastrous’ for the council to be fighting more appeals.

He said: “The Local Plan will be the best and probably the only defence against predatory development.

“It’s a very difficult position we are in.”

A meeting will be held next Tuesday, May 16, to discuss the draft Local Plan.

The council said certain factors will be fundamental in making decisions, including improvements to the A120 and how Garden Communities will be accessed.