Plans to build more than 5,000 houses in Essex every year for the next five years have been condemned by councillors.

Housebuilding figures for the county are 25 per cent above what was agreed to be the highest possible number.

Instead of the 4,240 put forward by Serplan, the body which plans for the south east, the Government announced 5,240 new homes for the area.

The figure has angered councillors, who are fearful of overdevelopment in the county and a lack of cash for extra infrastructure, roads and schools.

Southend council leader Charles Latham said: "We are disappointed the Government has not taken on board all the comments made by Serplan.

The Government must be aware the south east can only realistically supply so many units of accommodation because there is already major pressure on infrastructure in the region."

Castle Point council leader Dave Wells said: "We do not agree with the overdevelopment of the south east in general and this council tries to resist as much as possible any development plans in our borough."

The figures were defended by planning minister Nick Raynsford, who said that by concentrating on high-density housing developments, it would be possible to meet the new target without using any more land than Serplan had envisaged.

By James Howell

Reporter's e-mail: james.howell@notes.newsquest.co.uk

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