RESIDENTS need evidence infrastructure will be delivered with garden communities not “wishy-washy promises”, campaigners have claimed.

Housing association L&Q is marketing shared ownership properties at West Tey, where 17,000 homes could be built over the next 30 years.

The advert promises the development will come with “state-of-the-art infrastructure and open space” including a “sustainable transport system designed to reduce car use”, cash for road enhancements, schools, healthcare facilities and thousands of new sustainable jobs.

However, the Campaign Against Urban Sprawl in Essex (Cause) said the public was still no closer to knowing how this infrastructure would be paid for.

Secretary Rosie Pearson said: “This is surely just a beauty parade before the councils launch their new attempts at a garden communities plan in a few weeks.

“It seems that still there is no meat on the bone to these proposals, and now L&Q is joining in with West Tey consortium’s wishy-washy promises.

“People need to see evidence and appraisals so that we can understand exactly what is planned, when and how it can be paid for.

“We shouldn’t forget these are the people who think it is acceptable to build 9,000 homes before the A12 or A120 are upgraded.”

L&Q is also promising “at least” 30 per cent affordable housing, which it says will bring more than 5,000 affordable homes to the area.

A round the table meeting was held where organisations including Colchester Council, Emmaus Colchester and Haven Gateway Partnership were asked for ideas on community investment priorities in the area.

L&Q says its £250 million foundation is working on creating a bespoke investment plan for Essex and significant funding will be available through this.

Details of the package, which the firm says is separate from West Tey, will be announced later this year.

Fiona Fletcher Smith, director of development and sales at L&Q, said: “L&Q is about more than bricks and mortar. We want to work closely with local partners to create a lasting impact in the areas we work.

“The conclusions from the round table, building on the knowledge of our attendees, will be pivotal to guiding our strategic decision making.”

L&Q said the foundation’s investment in Essex would be separate from investment at West Tey, but admitted garden communities were its primary focus to tackle the housing crisis in the county.

Ms Pearson said L&Q’s aims were admirable, but there was “no mandate for West Tey”.

“Neither L&Q nor its charitable foundation should ride roughshod over local people,” she said. “In addition, there is still no evidence the affordable housing promises are viable on the huge scale promised.”

L&Q said its flexible business model allows it to secure long-term finance which will help deliver infrastructure.

A spokesman said: "L&Q’s flexible business model and financial strength allows us to tap into long-term finance, which will support the delivery of new infrastructure at West Tey.

"This includes physical infrastructure, such as roads and utilities, as well as social infrastructure, which supports the development of a community.

"The planned infrastructure improvements will pave the way for new homes and jobs and since the new homes will be delivered gradually in phases over a long period of time, the infrastructure will also be delivered over time, working with local partners.  

"L&Q’s business model allows social and physical infrastructure to be funded early on in the development.

"Infrastructure will be delivered in accordance with a programme agreed with the local councils alongside the new housing, to ensure the new community enjoys services and amenities from the outset."