RESIDENTS have slammed plans to build 500 new homes in Hullbridge - fearing it could completely change the outlook of the village.

The plans, to build a huge new estate on land between Windermere Avenue and Lower Road, Malyons Lane already has planning permission, but residents are being asked to have their say on landscaping, layout, scale and design of the homes.

Residents received a letter this week, urging them to submit their views by May 8.

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.

And residents still have a host of concerns in relation to the site.

Jeff Attfield, 70, of Keswick Avenue, said: “It should never have been passed in the first place.

“We have been fighting this from the outset, and there a host of issues with the site.

“How are we going to cope with 500 extra homes? That is potentially 2,000 people and 1,000 cars as well.

“It is a complete disgrace.

“Look at the state of Watery Lane. It is bumper to bumper at times, people use it as a shortcut to get to the north of Essex.

“How will it cope.

“We have flooding problems, will losing this land and covering it in concrete make it worse?

“And we have been told we have 21 days to put in our views? A decision like this, which will completely change Rochford, should have a six month consultation at least.”

London-based firm Landhold Capital sold the land near to Malyons Lane to developers Barratt Homes in February this year, 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.