Village communities could disappear if up to 4,000 new homes become part of the future housing plans for mid-Essex, it has been claimed.

And if developers' plans for green field sites along the A12 corridor are agreed, Witham would absorb Rivenhall, a parish councillor has warned.

Rivenhall parish councillor John Macrae told a public hearing yesterday in Chelmsford: "The green wedge is very important for our community and this intends urban oblivion.

"Witham lies between Chelmsford and Colchester. It can't become a rival town. It is still trying to come to terms with being a quasi-overspill town for London," he added.

The plan, which is in the draft stage, has been agreed by Essex County Council and recommends how many homes should be built in Essex up to 2011. The Braintree district's allocation is 10,300 homes.

The hearing heard developers see the Witham area as ideal because of the A12 and proximity to rail links.

Leonard Martin, for developer Bryant Homes, said his client's plans included homes, a business park and a hotel. He said there was a strong argument for development along the A12 near Witham, because Chelmsford was reaching its natural limits.

This was supported by rail initiatives and the rising number of commuters. Long-term plans could include improving Witham town centre to stop shoppers going elsewhere.

Eleanor Dash, planning officer at Braintree Council, said it did not support the proposals for development at Hatfield Peverel, Rivenhall or Witham.

The independent panel will report its findings in the autumn.

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