Plans to create a "new town" within the parishes of west Tendring were today criticised by North Essex MP Bernard Jenkin.

He said the planned development on greenfield sites at Three Greens, as part of the Essex and Southend Replacement Structure Plan, would generate increased congestion and pollution.

Mr Jenkin was speaking after a public inquiry yesterday into the draft plan, which heard 1,200 homes are proposed for the west of Tendring in the next century.

Mr Jenkin said: "There are no rail links to the proposed site. We already have a water shortage in this part of Essex and the infrastructure simply cannot take it.

"I pledge to fight this proposal root and branch until it is killed stone dead," he added.

The plan, which has been agreed by Essex County Council and recommmends how many homes should be built in Essex up to 2011, takes into account issues such as jobs, environmental impact and transport.

The areas affected include Elmstead, the Bromleys the Bentleys and Ardleigh. Developers George Wimpey Ltd, claim the homes will kickstart the local economy and lead to inward investment.

And Ray Rix, of developers CJ Pirie and Co, said the proposals were supported by the district's commuter links with Colchester and forecasts showing an increase in jobseekers but a drop in job creation for Tendring by 2011.

Philip Hornby, planning officer at Tendring District Council, told the hearing in Chelmsford, that the plans were contrary to Government policy and could lead to dormitory development and deflect inward investment. Colchester council supports this stance.

"We believe the type of growth will be inappropriate in the face of the core strategy to promote economic regeneration," he added.

Christopher Tootal, Ardleigh parish and Tendring district councillor, said parishes were concerned about the effects the development would have on small rural communities.

An independent panel is currently hearing evidence from developers, local councils and rural watchdogs about the draft plan and will report its findings in the autumn.

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