CONCERNED villagers are continuing to voice their fears over plans to build Colchester United training pitches nearby.

More than 100 residents packed out a meeting of Tiptree Parish Council to discuss a revised bid to create five training pitches on Vine Farm field.

Currently, U’s players normally prepare for matches at Essex University’s facilities, but chairman Robbie Cowling wants to set up a “first class” centre for them.

The residents fear it would be the first step towards further development in the area, because a separate planning statement has been submitted to build a larger facility and scores of new homes. The meeting discussed revisions submitted by the U’s after Essex County Council’s highways department raised concerns.

Residents at the meeting said the changes, including alterations to the junction between Grange Road and Vine Road, did not go far enough. The parish council backed them, unanimously agreeing to reiterate their opposition to the application.

Mr Cowling said the club had addressed every concern raised over the bid, with the highways department withdrawing their objections after discussions. He said: “From our point of view we have taken on board all of the concerns raised and have talked with every agency that has raised concerns. Everything that has come up, we have dealt with.”

He added his initial target to have pitches ready for U’s players by pre-season would not be hit. He said: “We have plans for the site, because the initial scheme is just for the pitches.

“I would hope in future to get permission to develop it further so we can basically create a first class training facility for Colchester United.”