A CONSERVATION group has raised concerns over how a developer has been conducting itself in gaining support for a planning application.

Developers McCarthy and Stone have submitted plans for 42 apartments and 11 bungalows to be built at Mistley Place Park in New Road.

In response to a petition and action group campaigning against its proposals, representatives from the firm knocked on residents’ doors in order to discuss the plans.

The developer said it was made “absolutely clear” what its intentions were with the feedback from residents being submitted to Tendring Council.

But Mistley Conservation Group said its actions were alarming.

A spokesman for the group said: “We were extremely concerned to find out McCarthy and Stone have been knocking on doors to gather supporting comments for Tendring Council’s planning portal.

“Some residents were not aware the application included a block of flats and bungalows - they were simply asked if they were in favour of a park and educational area for children.

“It was only later on they found out their supporting comment had been uploaded onto the planning portal.”

They added: “Currently, the overwhelming majority of public comments object to the application and a petition to protect Mistley Place Park has almost 500 signatures.”

A representative from McCarthy and Stone confirmed it spoke with residents.

They said: “This process involved knocking on residents doors and discussing the proposals.

“Where residents expressed their support of the proposals, we asked if they would be willing to provide their own comments to support the application which they provided in their own handwriting and, as can be seen in the variety of comments, in their own words.

“The cards were addressed to the planning officer so it was absolutely clear and residents were informed their comments would be going online to the planning portal.”