PLANS are in the pipeline to build 175 new homes on land near the A130 in Benfleet.

The proposals, which are being put forward by Cheshire-based Fox Land and Property, would see a mix of houses and flats built on green fields and scrubland.

The strip of land is bordered by Ivy Road, Sadlers and Glebelands to the east and the A130 to the west.

Some of the land is designated green belt and there are fears for the loss of green space if the development goes ahead.

Lee Gardiner, who stood for the Independent Save Our Green Belt Party in this year’s council elections, said: “We know there has to be more houses built, but there are ample places in the borough that aren’t green belt.

“Let’s hope the Conservative council sticks to its promise and rejects this application.“ The proposal are for a mixture of private and affordable homes.

No planning application has been put forward yet, but the developer has had a pre-application meeting with ward councillors and officers from Castle Point Council, as is the common practice.

Norman Smith, councillor for economic regeneration, said any future planning application on the site was likely to be rejected.

He said: “If it’s in green belt then it won’t stand a chance and it seems crazy to put an application in. I think it’s developers chancing their arm.

“I don’t think it’s in the right position anyway, it’s far too near the A130.

“I’d like to see a strip of green space between the road and housing, as there is at the moment.”

Fox Land and Property are holding a public exhibition on the proposals.

The exhibition will be held at St George’s Church hall, in Rushbottom Lane, between 10am and 4pm tomorrow and between 10am and 2pm on Saturday.