RESIDENTS have vowed to fight against a new estate of 49 homes set for empty land next to Dovercourt cemetery.

Greenfields Farm, off Dovercourt Green is unused farmland.

But designs have been put forward to build bungalows, semi-detached, detached and terraced houses ranging from two to four bedrooms.

Residents living in the houses next to the land, have raised major concerns over noise, traffic and being overlooked.

Neil Why, of The Green, said: “We are not happy.

“Ten or 11 years ago there were plans to build on there and that was eight bungalows and a park on the end, we got together to fight it and it was refused.

“We got a letter and it said they could build 100 plus on there, trying to soften the blow.

“We are going to be overlooked because they haven’t said they will tree line it.

“And we don’t have the services. There are several planning applications in at the moment - I’ve counted 500 houses in Harwich and Dovercourt planned.

“It is really peaceful here with the green in front and nothing at the back - that will change.”

Kirsty Flack, who also lives on The Green, said: “I was shocked to receive the letter about the plan.

“If this goes ahead we lose our privacy and the views we have.”

But neighbour Keeley Palmer is hoping more people will bring more business to the town.

She said: “I think more homes the better.

“Harwich is a small town and more people moving here is better, especially for local shops and businesses, I’m sure it will bring more money to the town.

“The land isn’t doing anything just sitting there if we can provide more homes I think it’s a great idea.

“I run a hair salon called Wave so that will hopefully bring more trade to the Upper Dovercourt area and to the shops there.”

The outline planning application sent to Tendring Council says: “The development will promote a strong, responsive and competitive economy and will be provided with an appropriate level of infrastructure.”

Tendring Council has final say on the outline plans.