THE backlash against planning applications which could see a further 150 upscale homes built in Great Bentley continues to grow.

Since City & Country submitted its two applications last December for properties north of Thorrington Road and west of Plough Road, more than 50 objections have been filed against them.

Increased congestion, particularly at the level crossing during peak times, which is opposite an oversubscribed primary school, destruction of the countryside and a lack of infrastructure, have been included within objections.

At a recent public consultation organised by City & Country, residents continued to speak out against the developments, which will increase the number of homes to upwards of 400 before Tendring Council's Local Plan is adopted in 2018.

In a statement to Tendring Council's Local Plan Committee, the Great Bentley Parish Council noted that this represents an estimated 50 per cent increase on housing stock in the village.

However, with the borough council unable to demonstrate a housing land supply for the next five years, it means planning applications are considered in line with whether they represent 'sustainable development'.

According to the developer, Great Bentley is 'one of the more sustainable locations in Tendring' and the mix of affordable starter homes and large family properties could provide new play spaces for children, new access to the 1st Great Bentley Scout Hut at Thorrington Road, cycle links and accessible open space.

One resident, who has spent the majority of her four-year retirement fighting new applications, argued the homes are not in line with the demographic of Great Bentley.

She said: "People would prefer affordable homes for young people starting their lives and we also need assisted housing and retirement homes for the elderly.

"Plus the buses run just Monday to Friday, we only have a mobile post office and on a Saturday morning the supermarket shelves are so scarce."

Another resident of The Green, who has lived here for 42 years, added: "It won’t be a village anymore.

"The GP surgery and school are bursting at the seams, and it's an accident waiting to happen with the children.

"And where are these people going to work? Will they commute to London?"

People have until February 13 to submit their comments and decisions are expected on March 24.

If successful, a further public consultation will be held later this year for the second stage of the outline applications.