A DEVELOPER has been criticised for trying to build 145 homes on land which has been deemed inappropriate for housing.

Taylor Wimpey held a public exhibition outlining its plans for a new estate off Cockaynes Lane, Alresford.

But critics have accused developers of lodging speculative planning applications when Tendring Council has not adopted a formal local plan to decide where developments should be allowed.

Two sites in Alresford – Cockaynes Lane and St Andrews Close – were both withdrawn from previous versions of the local plan after objections by residents.

There are no sites in the village included in the draft versions of the newTendring local plan.

An Alresford Parish Council spokesman said: “We object to the planning proposals, in their current form, for both the Cockaynes site and also the St Andrews Close site.

“Alresford Parish Council support the view, taken recently by Tendring Council, that no sites in Alresford are suitable for large development due, in the main, to sustainability issues.

“We will work with all residents and resident groups to oppose inappropriate property development in Alresford.”

At a public consultation, residents voiced concerns that the existing roads were too narrow and the proposals were too large for a village which has just 810 homes.

The parish council also argues there are not enough primary and secondary school places available if the new homes are built.

Jane Lee, 44, of Station Road, set up the Cockaynes Action Group, and has gathered more than 300 signatures opposing the development.

Taylor Wimpey has not yet submitted a planning application for the development.

A spokesman said: “We will look closely at the feedback to make sure people’s views are taken into account as much as possible as we finalise our planning application.”