FURIOUS campaigners handed in a 2000-strong petition to Rochford Council opposing plans for 600 new homes - only to be told their efforts would be in vain.

The campaigners urged the council to take into consideration their 'vote of no confidence' petition, but this was voted against by councillors.

Tensions reached fever pitch in a packed public gallery at the latest full council meeting.

They peaked after the petition was handed over by the Rochford Supporters group, gaining support by councillors from all sides.

Tory councillors have been accused of completely ignoring concerns, which surround the council’s failure to review its housing strategy put together way back in 2011.

It states the council must build 4,600 home over 15 years.

At least 100 residents watched on as David Miles, a spokesman for the campaign group, branded the council an “absolute disgrace”.

He addressed members of the public and councillors at the meeting on Tuesday evening.

He first explained the “widespread outrage” at the failure of the council to review its core housing strategy, which comes under the council’s controversial local plan.

He said: “Why was this not done?

“Why should residents have confidence in Rochford District Council if the council doesn’t have confidence in the legal system?

“We’ve had enough. Residents have woken up. The people are awake and it’s no longer acceptable.

“The council has spectacularly failed its residents.”

Despite the clamour from the public gallery, Yet Ian Ward, the councillor in charge of planning, proposed no action should be taken from the council on the petition as a decision was made eight years ago.

He explained: “A review did take place in March 2012.

“It was examined, and it was deemed sound and suitable for adoption. The inspector raised no issues.”

But concerns have been raised the new housing plan will not be adopted for at least six years, with it taking substantially longer to build the hundreds of homes.

Both Michael Hoy and Christine Mason, councillors of the Hullbridge and Hawkwell West wards respectively, showed their support for the campaign and raised questions over the council’s actions.

Ms Mason said: “The council did not do the review when it was supposed to. If the council had undertaken the review, it would have eased residents’ stress and worry.

“There is no surprise that so many people signed the petition.

“This must be reviewed urgently by the council.”

Councillor Jo McPherson also joined the debate, and added: “Residents must be listened to.

“This plan was adopted six years ago.

“The council must review the strategies and policies in line with new evidence on climate change and issues surrounding flooding. All new guidance must be listened to.”

Despite desperate attempts from Mr Hoy to push the no confidence petition back to a review committee, the debate was closed with no further action taken.