THE leader of Tendring Council has scotched rumours that homes will be built on fields next to Jaywick’s Tudor Estate.

Arow erupted between current and former councillors after a petition was launched warning of proposals to build homes on the land, which is owned by a quango called the Homes and Communities Agency.

Tendring Council is trying to acquire the site – known locally as Tudor Fields – as part of its regeneration plans.

Former councillors Kevin Watson and Roy Raby were concerned homes would be built on the flood plain and launchedapetition, calling on council leader Mick Page to ensure land behind Meadow Way was kept clear from development.

Current Golf Green ward councillors Dan Casey and Nick Brown said the petition was “scaremongering”.

Speaking at a meeting of the council’s cabinet, Mr Page said he was “passionate” about the authority taking the lead in being a “catalyst” for change in Jaywick.

“When faced with potential change, some residents have concerns about how it will affect them and some completely inaccurate rumours have been circulating,” he said.

“I would like to put the record straight and say that there are no plans to build on the Tudor Meadows.

“I would like to see the land either remain as grazing land or possibly looked at for use as a conservation or nature reserve, but whatever happens, we would want local people to have a voice in deciding how it moves forward.”

He added: “It is important to recognise that the council does not have bottomless pockets and so the thought of building across Tudor Meadows is unimaginable, given the potential extent of development we are currently considering around Lotus Way.”