CONTROVERSIAL plans for 135 caravans close to homes have been recommended for approval by council officers.

Tingdene Parks has submitted plans for the caravans at Sacketts Grove Caravan Park, off Jaywick Lane, Clacton.

The proposals replace existing plans for 40 static caravans and 40 touring caravans Residents said they were angry Tendring Council had not widely publicised the original plans before they had been approved.

The council has received a petition and 17 letters of objection against the new plans.

Dan Casey, of the Jaywick Forum, said: “This is just a massive overdevelopment of the site.

“Developers are proposing 900 homes adjacent to the site, Sacketts Grove already has approval for 40 static caravans and these plans would now see an extra 95 static caravans – it’s just too much. Residents, many of whom are elderly, retired to Tudor estate for the serene views over the countryside to St Osyth and are very disappointed.

“This will completely change the views and character of the area.

“Some caravans can be very nice – but this is heading towards being a cheap housing estate, just without any infrastructure.

“All the extra cars coming on to Jaywick Lane will create a nightmare during the summer season.”

The plans also include landscaping, tree planting and an adventure golf course.

In a report, the applicants said the proposals would “secure the economic stability” of the holiday park as a business and employer, as well as boosting tourism by an extra £1.4million a year.

Council planners said the scheme would support the authority’s economic and tourism objectives and local concerns over its impact did not outweigh the benefits of the development.

A decision will be made by Tendring Council’s planning committee on June 30.