CONTROVERSIAL plans to build hundreds of homes in Dovercourt have been given the go-ahead.

Outline planning permission for a 300-home estate, on greenfield land off Low Road, has been approved by Tendring Council.

The approval comes despite dozens of residents objecting to the development saying the homes would pile pressure on already stretched schools and doctors surgeries.

More than 80 residents objected to the plans, with campaigners citing fears over flooding, traffic pressures and a lack of infrastructure.

Pam Morrison, Harwich Town councillor added: “I am very disappointed and extremely worried the concerns I raised about local infrastructure appear to have been totally ignored.

“It is hard enough to get a doctor’s appointment now and we cannot sustain more large developments without increases in all our local services”

Sue Turnbull-Slattery, of Main Road, Dovercourt, objected to the application on Tendring Council’s planning website.

She said: “Doctors are full at present the two clinics in the area will not cope - there is also a lack of dentists. Harwich is an affordable area but there is a lack of industry to accommodate jobs.”

The plans, submitted to Tendring Council by Neeb Holdings Limited, will see a variety of houses, bungalows and flats built off Low Road, Dovercourt.

The scheme also includes a network of footpaths, cycle paths and public open space at the centre of the estate.

The application was deferred from a planning committee twice last year in order for consideration to be given to alternative highway improvements.

The planning committee report said: “Whilst the application attracted a large number of objections from local residents and Harwich Town Council, no significant issues have been raised during the application process by statutory consultees.”

It said a speed survey will be carried out once 150 homes have been built and occupied or both accesses onto Low Road have been constructed.

Then, if the results of the survey show the speed levels meet the “intervention criteria” two vehicle activated signs would be installed along Low Road with funding put in place for future maintenance.

Neeb Holdings has been contacted for comment.