MISTLEY, Manningtree and Lawford are being subjected to a “tsunami” of planning applications, it has been claimed.

Angry residents and councillors have hit out after plans for up to 135 homes in Mistley were given the green light at Tendring Council’s planning committee on Tuesday.

Developer Welbeck Strategic Land submitted plans for a new estate on nine hectares of land south of Harwich Road, including a “flexible building” for use as a healthcare facility, as well as allotments and a children’s play area.

Martin Rayner, chairman of Mistley Parish Council, said: “We in Manningtree, Mistley and Lawford are being subjected to a veritable tsunami of planning applications, which all have a cumulative impact on the roads, junctions and facilities.

“The application for 360 houses in Lawford has been held up for proper consideration of this aspect.

Why has this not been included as it should have been?

“The biggest concern from residents is the closing of the space between Mistley and the hamlet of Mistley Heath, which has been prevented from any expansion by previous planning policies.

“This development will have a significant negative impact on the open rural nature of the area and also on the character of Mistley Heath.”

Mr Rayner added the homes would attract people from outside the area who worked in London and would have a huge impact on traffic entering into Manningtree station.

But David Barnes, agent for the applicant, said the scheme would not have a significant impact on local services.

“There have been local concerns about cumulative impacts with other proposals, particularly the traffic impact on the level crossing and roundabout at Manningtree Station,” he said.

“A lot of work has been undertaken by the highway authority and Welbeck to consider the effects of the development on local roads.

“It has been determined that traffic from the scheme will only represent an insignificant increase of one per cent in and around the station.”

He added there was space at Mistley Norman Primary School for more pupils and a “significant”

green gap would be maintained between Mistley and Mistley Heath.

Plans for 25 bungalows on neighbouring land south of Harwich Road have been put on ice for further negotiations.

Concerns have been raised over a secondary access road to the site.

It is felt that it causes a conflict between vehicles and pedestrians at a spot used by many residents.