Eco-warriors joined forces with concerned residents on a march through Ashingdon to protest against a major new housing development.

The 40-strong group took to the streets in a bid to muster up support for their campaign against plans to build 73 houses on land off Golden Cross.

Teenage rebel Christiana Tugwell, who led the recent Etheldore protest, her mum Maria, brother Eddie and pet goat, united with the campaigners.

The throng of banner-waving protesters, including pensioners and children, marched a mile on Saturday afternoon from outside a parade of shops at Golden Cross to the nearby woodland.

Plans were submitted to Rochford District Council by Wilcon Homes for 73 new houses and roads to support the development. However, the council no longer has the power to decide on planning permission because it has taken so long to determine it. Instead it will now be the subject of an independent planning inquiry.

Ronald Stevens, of the Golden Cross Road Action Group, joined in the march.

He said: "My house is facing the site. The woodland is going to be knocked down to for the 73 houses to be built. It is surrounded by open ground. Why couldn't the houses be put there?

"We are going to get about 300 extra cars coming out onto the road every day. It is just not big enough to take it. It will cause absolute chaos."

Angry - protesters gather before marching to the proposed site of new homes

Picture: STEVE O'CONNELL

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