Developer eyes Billericay for housing scheme

A scheme for 175 homes in Billericay has sparked vehement protest in the town.

The proposal for the development off Tye Common Road has been put forward by Taylor Wimpey, but campaigners are worried about its potential impact on the environment, wildlife and infrastructure.

Carrying placards and banners, they met Tory Basildon and Billericay MP Richard Holden, who is backing their opposition to the Taylor Wimpey proposal.

A Taylor Wimpey statement said: “We recognise the concerns local residents have raised about our proposed site in Billericay. We carried out extensive consultation before submitting our outline application and would like to reassure the community that we have listened to their feedback and taken this into account when putting together our proposals.

“Our proposal for 175 homes, including 50 per cent affordable housing, will help to address the housing need in the borough. We will create a large area of new public open space, including a play area and wildlife habitats, transforming arable farming land into a space in which locals and wildlife can thrive together.

“Should our application be approved, we will enter into a Section 106 agreement with the council which will allow us to make financial contributions towards the mitigation of any impact the development would have on existing infrastructure.”