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 that the homes would attract people from outside the area who work in London and would have a massive impact on traffic entering into Manningtree station.

Resident Mr Clarke, of Harwich Road, added that the proposal constituted "urban sprawl" and set a dangerous precedent for "unplanned spread into our countryside".

But David Barnes, agent for the applicant, said the scheme will 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 percent in and around the station.”

He added that there is space at Mistley Norman Primary School for more pupils and that a “significant” green gap would be maintained between Mistley and Mistley Heath.

Plans for 25 bungalows on neighbouring land south of Harwich Road were also approved.

The application includes allotment land and the construction of a new playing field.

Mistley Parish Council objected on the grounds of highway safety and the cumulative impact with other schemes.