A CONTROVERSIAL plan to build a 300-home estate which was blasted as "an overwhelming burden" by objectors is set to be given the green light by planners.

When a scheme to build the estate on greenfield land in Dovercourt was submitted, some residents said the development would pile pressure on already stretched public services.

More than 70 letters of objections were penned, with campaigners pointing to fears over flooding, traffic pressures and a lack of infrastructure including schools and doctors surgeries.

One objector said: "The 300 homes would be too high density for the area proposed and would put an overwhelming burden on our already poor infrastructure.

"This area's oversubscribed GP surgeries, dentists and primary schools would struggle to offer places to residents of such a large estate."

She added: "It would also take away the beautiful landscape views from residents and valuable agricultural land, which this area is already lacking.

"The area of open space proposed will not replace this loss in any shape or form."

Sue Wink, of Oakley Road, which lies adjacent to the proposed estate, said any moves to create open spaces and plant trees throughout the site would be insufficient.

"Nothing can replace the 'big sky' and openness which this area currently demonstrates, the peace and the nature," she said.

"It is a haven for partridge and pheasants, all of which frequent my garden.

"We have had grass snakes, tiny and beautiful harvest mice every year, hedgehogs and even weasels, all of which will be lost - their habitats destroyed."

The plans, submitted to Tendring Council by Neeb Holdings Limited, would 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.

Now Tendring Council planners have recommended the council's planning committee give it the go-ahead.

In a report, the council's head of planning 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.

"Subject to the applicant entering in to a Section 106 agreement to cover the provision of affordable housing, provision and timescale for the open space, infrastructure/services contributions, the proposal is considered to be acceptable with no material harm to visual or residential amenity, or highway safety, and the application is therefore recommended for approval."

The council's planning committee will have the final say at a public meeting on Tuesday.