RESIDENTS are up in arms after 118 homes were approved in Cressing.

Despite more than 150 objections, Scott Properties was granted outline planning permission to build the homes on land east of Mill Lane.

The land was not included in the district's Local Plan, but planning officers said permission could be granted, with conditions.

Anton Liebscher, chairman of Cressing Parish Council, said some residents have considered moving as a result.

He said: "The developer came to speak at a parish council meeting and it was very obvious they had no interest in the parish whatsoever.

"He left that flavour with everybody, the feeling locally is people are gutted.

"Some folk are now talking about moving, it's an area people love looking at.

"The developer has spoken about the benefits, but they are for people moving in, they will not benefit anybody here."

He said he wanted Scott Properties to contribute towards improving the village hall.

Mike Moser, of Mill House in Black Notley, said people should not underestimate the feelings of anger and frustration.

He said: "To say that local residents are disappointed is an understatement.

"The great tragedy is that it would now seem inevitable that a proposal to develop the adjacent field will be accepted also.

"Combined, these will increase the number of houses in Cressing by 60% - equivalent to increasing the population of the UK by 39 million. Can you imagine people standing for that?"

Residents are seeking a meeting with Braintree MP James Cleverly to discuss their concerns.

Concerns had been raised over the impact the homes would have on Cressing Primary School and the Silver End Surgery.

The plans were approved at a meeting on February 14.

The meeting was controversial as councillor Kevin Bowers, whose wards include Cressing and Silver End, proposed turning it down.

He said after weighing up the argument and the contributions from the residents, it the recommendation could be refused.

However, the majority of councillors wanted to approve the homes and the plans were given the go-ahead.

Scott Properties had said the education authority and NHS were both consultees to the planning process and they are providing the requested financial contributions to mitigate the effect of the homes.

A spokesman had said: "The education contribution is in excess of £400,000 and the sum to facilitate improved GP services is £38,000.

"We are also providing a footpath link to the railway station, 47 affordable homes and funding real-time passenger information for the bus stops and commit to deliver the above as a local developer."