CAMPAIGNERS claim it is “open season” for speculative developers on Mersea after plans to build another 56 homes on the island were revealed.

BlueSquare Homes has applied to Colchester Council for planning permission to build a 56 home estate off East Road, West Mersea.

The new houses would be a mix in size, whilst the developer says 20 of them will be affordable.

A planning statement reads: “The current proposal would prove economic benefits, for example in respect of employment during the construction phase, as well as support for existing and future businesses, services and and facilities by introducing additional residents which would make use of them and provide future spend in the economy.

“The applicants are confident overall the development will not will not cause significant harm to the amenity of nearby residents or have an impact on the highway network.”

The application follows hot on the heels of a new 100 home estate from Mersea Homes, which will be built off Dawes Lane.

City & Country’s bid to build 100 homes on land at Brierley Paddocks has permission whilst Gladman Developments wants to build another 99 homes off Colchester Road.

John Akker, of campaign group Stop350, said: “This will come as a body blow to Mersea.

“It is another 56 houses on top of those already planned.

"There are 290 plus already and this is on top of that. It looks like open season on Meresa for developers.

“It is all very well for borough councillors to go on about garden communities, but they have left Section 2 and has made our community so vulnerable to speculators."

A Colchester Council spokesperson said: “The Council has resolved to grant permission for 200 new homes on Mersea, in accordance with our emerging Local Plan.

“The application that has been submitted is a speculative proposal of which the Council had no prior knowledge.

"We cannot prevent such proposals being submitted, anywhere in the borough and Mersea is no different, but we do have a policy framework against which they will be considered.

“The detailed policies and allocations in Section two of the emerging Local Plan have not been left, as Mr. Akker says, but need to follow on from the strategic issues covered by the Section one Plan.

"Now that the Local Plan Committee has agreed to proceed with consultation on modifications to the Section one Plan, Section two can prog​ress.”