Villagers took to the streets of Colchester to battle against controversial new plans for a supermarket and housing development.

The 60 protesters from Tiptree marched from St John's Street to the town hall where councillors were meeting on Wednesday night to discuss the scheme.

The plans for the heart of the village include 70 houses, a community centre and a new employment area for the former Tiptree Book Services site.

Spearheading the march, Elaine Bamford, of the Tiptree Development Forum, later raised her fears with other protesters at the full council meeting.

She said there were other sites such as the Tower Business Park and Kelvedon Road for developing employment areas.

Tiptree parish councillor David Felstead said: "Consultations with local residents and businesses have been organised by your council for Magdalen Street and the garrison projects. Why has this not been done for the people of Tiptree?

"It far exceeds the scale in community enhancement terms than the Colchester sites."

Villager John Pamphillion said: "What precautions will the council take to ensure a possible 14,876 vehicle movements generated by a proposed supermarket in the village centre will not result in Tiptree's own Chernobyl site in relation to health?"

Terry Sutton (Lib Dem, Berechurch) told the protesters the current application would be less harmful than the previous industrial development at the site and the villagers had their views heard.

He said: "I don't think there can be anyone in Tiptree who is not aware of the proposals for the site and has not had the opportunity to comment on them on several occasions."

The plans were due to be settled by councillors last night but it has now passed to the Government's eastern regional office for a review - a move which Mrs Bamford welcomed.

Councillors decided to further consult residents about the scheme during this review period.

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