MAJOR plans for almost 1,000 new houses on the outskirts of Clacton have been unveiled by developers.

Persimmon Homes wants to build the town's largest new estate in a generation on the Rouses Farm site, off Jaywick Lane.

The plans include 950 homes, a new primary school, healthcare facility and neighbourhood centre with shops, food and drink outlets and a community centre.

The site – west of Jaywick Lane – was earmarked for housing by Tendring Council five years ago.

Two years ago, the Gazette revealed Persimmon was looking at building on the farmland, which has been used for growing potatoes and crops.

A public consultation later took place to gauge reaction.

Critics at the time branded the size of the proposed development "ridiculous".

But Persimmon said the multi-million pound project would provide much-needed housing – including affordable homes – and community facilities.

A new access road would run through the estate from opposite the former Bishops Park College, on Jaywick Lane, to St John's Road.

The new school would be at the north end of the site, with the neighbourhood centre on the south side, on Jaywick Lane.

The masterplan also shows areas of public open space and children's play areas.

But the latest proposals are already sparking fears about the extra strain hundreds of new homes will put on existing services.

Louise Stanley, of Park Square West, Jaywick, said: "How can Tendring cope with more people?

"Everywhere you drive at the moment, all we seem to see are houses being built.

"Our roads are full of pot holes, paths are crumbling and covered in weeds. Health service and hospitals are at breaking point and we are short of GPs.

"Schools are full and what job prospects do we have for these people?"

Tendring Council will rule on the plans.