A NEW roundabout is to be built to tackle extra traffic from a new 500-home development on the outskirts of Rayleigh.

Rochford Council planning officers have supported plans for the roundabout, which would be built between Hullbridge Road and Rawreth Lane.

It is being built in preparation for homes being built on land between London Road and Rawreth Lane.

Officers are recommending a council development committee to grant permission for the roundabout at a meeting on Tuesday.

On hearing about the plans for the roundabout, Chris Black, Lib Dem councillor for the Downhall and Rawreth ward, said: “I’m pleased to see for once they seemed to have listened to us and designed a junction that doesn’t block access to Mortimer Road, as previously.

“The ghost road into Lubbards Farm isn’t included on the plan either, but there does seem to be space to add an extra road in the future.”