A village is planning a protest reception for councillors on Wednesday in a bid to stop its ‘urbanisation.’ Tendring Council’s planning committee visits Little Clacton, where village landowner Nigel Barrington Fuller seeks to build up to 98 homes off The Street.

The last-minute move comes as planning chiefs are recommending councillors approve the project when planning committee meets on Wednesday night.

Little Clacton residents formed a “Save Our Village” campaign group against Mr Barrington-Fuller’s earlier scheme for 136 homes on a 6.5ha site in the ‘heart’ of the village.

He believes his project will help bring Little Clacton together and help Tendring meet its housing targets, rather than see Little Clacton join on with Clacton.

But around 500 residents have submitted their opposition to Tendring Council on its website, which also carries a petition from 200 residents opposing his latest scheme.

Last week, flyers went around Little Clacton urging residents to meet the councillors as they visit the site between 11am and 12noon.

“A strong presence would again be appreciated to let the committee know how we feel about the mass urbanisation of our village,” it said.

Protest leader Martyn Reed said he was unsure how many would turn up due to work commitments but residents were keen to oppose the ‘urbanisation’ plans.

Mr Reed will join John Cutting, chairman of Little Clacton Parish Council, is speaking out against the scheme at the Wednesday night meeting at the Council Chambers, Weeley.

“We don’t want an urbanisation. We don’t want the village to turn into a town,” Mr Cutting added.