PLANS are in place to build 500 new homes in Hullbridge after a developer has bought more than 50 acres of land in the village.

London-based firm Landhold Capital has sold the land near to Malyons Lane to developers Barratt Homes, so that work could start on building the 500 new homes, which has been granted planning permission.

At least 35 per cent of the build will now also include affordable housing.

Another developer, David Wilson Homes will also be a part of the build.

The development will be divided into three sections, with two being handled by David Wilson and the other by Barratt.

The proposal for the huge new build was granted by Rochford District Council in November 2016. It received huge opposition from the residents of Hullbridge, with more than 1,000 people leaving comments throughout late 2014 and 2015.

Brian Carleton, the chairman of the Hullbridge Residents Association has said that residents now have a greater role in the development, despite being against it taking place in the first instance.

He said: “We have had two meetings with the developers, they have take on board the fact we represent 80 per cent of the people in the village.

“We have won quite a few concessions from them, including having to re-do the plans. They are going to widen the Malyons Lane as a result of the points we have made.

“They are no longer building three storey homes and they are going to be two storey. There are a lot of affordable homes that are now planned to be built. All in all, we are taking quite an active role in that whatever is put forward is done correctly and is best for residents.”

Following the sale of the development, Mark Sperrin, senior land manager at Barratt Homes, said: “We’re very happy to have secured this fantastic development site and look forward to delivering much needed housing to the Rochford district. The site will be dual branded with both Barratt and David Wilson homes and we look forward to starting work on the site later this year and welcoming the first residents in 2019.”

Although the development is making moves forward, with Hullbridge residents being included, Mr Carleton still says it was a plan they did not want to see go ahead.

With a population of around 6,500 people, Mr Carleton is concerned the little village will grow significantly over the course of the build.

He said: “We don’t feel too good about the situation. Anything over 8,000 people means we become a town.

“There is going to be a big issue with regards to Malyons Lane whichever way you look at it.”