ANGRY residents held their own meeting to hit out at plans to build a chalet park with pub, shop and pharmacy.

About 100 people turned out to a meeting held last week about the planning application for Low Road in Dovercourt.

A spokesman for the meeting said: “Concerns were raised about the increase in traffic and safety on a road which will already be stretched by the approved planning of 300 new dwellings.

“Residents stated that speeding is already a major issue on this road along with noise and pollution.

“There were also objections on the grounds that the local infrastructure such as medical, police, fire and ambulance services are inadequate and already under huge pressure.”

More than 56 objections have been sent to Tendring Council about the development on it’s planning website.

The meeting spokesman added: “Residents agreed that the proposal brought little value to the area and all the extra amenities that are part of it are already met with existing shops, pubs, pharmacies, post offices and fast food outlets.

“There were concerns that any new licensed premises could bring anti-social behaviour to a quiet residential area.

“Objections were raised as the chalet park will be constructed on areas that are a flood plane and the impact on wildlife and conservation.”

The plans for the chalet park include a mini market with a pharmacy and post office inside, a family pub and a restaurant for holiday makers and residents to use.

Onslow Holdings owns the site. The company has proposed to develop the 16-hectare site to serve both visitors of the holiday park and the local community.

Harwich and Tendring councillor Jo Henderson, who lives on Low Road, said: “The residents’ meeting was packed.

“There were lots of concerned residents which is totally understandable.

“It is being built on a protected area - it’s a site of special scientific interest.

“There are concerns about noise from the pub - it’s not the right location for that, at night it’s very quiet.”

Mrs Henderson said a petition by residents has been going around, which is set to be sent to Tendring Council opposing the development.

Essex County Council’s historic environment officer has responded to the plans calling for investigation on the land before any building.

In a letter to Tendring Council, Teresa O’Connor said: “The Essex Heritage Environment Records a number of cropmark features in the surrounding area that would indicate a high probability of surviving archaeological remains being present within the development site.

“The proposed site lies adjacent to an area of known prehistoric and Roman activity that has recently been discovered along Low Road and is a likely location for further activities including industrial and/or ritual.

“The site is bordered by Marsh Lane, an historic track which would have been used since medieval times or earlier to reach the coast.

“A programme of geophysics is recommended which would identify any potential industrial features, followed by trial trenching in areas that would be impacted upon by the development.”