THREE councils have joined together to form a “united front” over plans for hundreds of homes in the Manningtree area.

Planning applications and proposals could see up to 1,200 homes built in the Manningtree, Mistley and Lawford area.

Now a contingent of councillors from each area have come together to ensure there is sufficient infrastructure and community benefit from any development.

Rose Builders already has permission for 150 homes on Cox’s Hill, while an application has been submitted to Tendring Council for up to 300 homes between Long Road, Lawford, and Clacton Road, Mistley.

There are also 170 homes in the pipeline for Harwich Road in Mistley and 360 homes on Bromley Road in Lawford.

Manningtree mayor Mark Morsley said: “Lawford, Mistley and Manningtree is one planning area.

“This is why the feeling is to have a united front and because that is how they are dealing with us.”