A Government minister has promised to tour a Colchester site where more than 2,000 homes are set to be built.

Colchester Council’s planning brief includes proposals for 2,200 homes and community facilities, off Nayland Road, in Mile End.

Colchester MP Bob Russell attacked the council in the Commons.

He invited Eric Pickles, Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government and Conservative MP for Brentwood and Ongar, to meet representatives of Myland Parish Council, who are opposed to the loss of open space.

Lib Dem Mr Russell told the Commons Colchester Council officers were not taking notice of what the coalition Government had been saying about scrapping the previous government’s planning policies.

David Clouston, of campaign website Love Myland, said: “Since Mr Pickles is perhaps the most important person when it come to these issues, for him to come and look is a wonderful thing.”