COUNCIL bosses have been urged to throw out home plans by their neighbours across the border who fear a proposed scheme could impact on plans for a new garden community in the area.

Housing firm Gladman Developments has submitted a bid for 145 homes to the south of Bromley Road in Ardleigh.

But fears have been raised as it would encroach close to Salary Brook and nearby Churn Wood.

In addition, although potential residents would be likely use services in Colchester, the development is in the Tendring district, meaning Colchester Council bosses have no official say on whether the homes will be built.

But Colchester Council’s major developments and project manager Simon Cairns has now urged his counterparts in Tendring to turn down the scheme.

In his submission, he said he fears the development could undermine plans for a proposed 9,000 home garden community on the border of Colchester and Tendring.

Mr Cairns states: “Clearly, even at this early stage of master planning, it is evident that development on this site may conflict with high level policy objectives already identified for the garden community as a whole.

“Other policy requirements cover a wide range of planning objectives related to ensuring the delivery of a sustainable new settlement, supported by appropriate and adequate infrastructure and meeting the garden city principles, all based on comprehensive master planning and delivery of the new community.”

He continued: “Development of this site in isolation of a holistically planned garden community together with all of the relevant supporting infrastructure would not represent sustainable development.

“It will prejudice further work on the development plan documents, engagement in which, is considered to be the proper way to progress further consideration of this site in relation to wider development proposed in the area.

“Allowing development on this site in isolation in advance of the master planning and Local Plan process, significantly undermines the extensive collaborative working seeking to deliver large scale sustainable growth in the form of new garden communities in north Essex.”

Mr Cairns added there were concerns about the impact the development could have on wildlife in Salary Brook and Churn Wood.

He also describes the proposals as premature while Colchester Council is at a crucial stage of creating a fresh Local Plan.

Some 50 residents have also lodged objections to the plans.

Among the concerns expressed are fears about the suitability of nearby roads, potential flooding and the impact on the environment.

Tendring Council will consider the application along with any representations both in support and against it.

A decision on the plans is expected to be made by August 25.