CAMPAIGNERS have written to a TV star asking him to intervene in plans to develop a site for housing.

Developers City and Country want to build up to 201 homes on land at Brierley Paddocks in West Mersea.

An outline application for the homes was rejected in the summer but the developer subsequently launched an appeal.

A second application for 101 homes has also been submitted.

The site is allocated in the council’s local plan but only for 100 homes.

But campaign group Stop350 has described the bids as premature and it has urged the developer to wait until the inspector has ruled on the borough’s Local Plan.

It has now written to TV presenter George Clarke, known for the Channel 4 show The Restoration Man, urging him to help.

Mr Clarke is a brand ambassador for City and Country.

On its website the developer says Mr Clarke has worked with it for eight years “supporting the business for its skill and attitude in dealing with complex heritage projects”.

Gazette:

In a letter, seen by the Gazette, the campaigners say: “We seek your personal involvement.

“We do so because of your work supporting local environments and building in sympathy and in tune to local circumstances.

“Also what we have seen of your support for local communities.

“We urge that City and Country calls a halt to any of their planning applications and instead allows the community to put forward their case side by side with them to a Local Plan inspector.

“We believe that this is a most reasonable way to proceed and one in which the interests of both the company and the community can be preserved.”

The developer has said a piece of land could be sold and used to build a doctor’s surgery, however, the proposed use will not be confirmed until a later detailed application is made.

The community fears Mersea’s infrastructure would struggle to cope if the homes get the go-ahead,

Colchester Council will have the final say on the plans for 101 homes.

The Gazette contacted City and Country put it declined to comment.