"VERY worried" campaigners have slammed plans for 200 homes in an "idyllic" Essex village. The residents say the proposals, for land off West Street in Tollesbury, "will be a disaster" and "must be scrapped."

It comes after Obsidian Strategic Asset Management was given the green light for the development, on the "high performing" farmland, opposite Prentice Hall Farm, Prentice Hall Lane in the village. Campaigners have put up various signs across the village in protest against the "ridiculous" proposals.

Caroline Blackmore, 66, said: "We are all very angry about it. This development will be hugely detrimental to the village and it will destroy the character of it. It will be a disaster and it's just far too much over development. It's ridiculous and ludicrous."

She said everyone is "strongly against" the proposals and that "nobody wants" it.

It comes after Maldon District Council's district planning committee agreed the plans at a meeting held on Thursday, June 25. The meeting heard how the plans saw 650 objections from residents who are "not nimbies or blockers."

Richard Greene, 78, raised fears about services and infrastructure. He added: "The current infrastructure cannot cope with all this new development. Our services are under huge strain and if this goes ahead it will be unbearable. Where is the infrastructure for a development of this size, and why is this not being talked about. It feels as though we are the only people who care about it." He also raised concerns about the impact on the roads "which are at maximum capacity currently."

The plans include 40 per cent affordable housing, with affordable rent and affordable home ownership, such as shared ownership.

The developer is also promising £2.5million in financial contributions for services such as healthcare, education and buses.

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Michelle Browne, 34, said the villagers are "pleading for the proposals to be scrapped."

She added: "Everyone is against the proposals and is so angry and upset about it. It will cause wildlife and environmental devastation, it's just not acceptable.

"We have amazing wildlife including birds, hedgehogs and foxes and we will lose it all." She fears future generations "will never see the beauty of the natural world due to over development."

At the council's planning meeting, last month, a spokesman for the developer told the committee the plan "helps address the council's housing need." He also said the proposals are an "Important contribution in supporting" families locally who are awaiting a "suitable and secure home."

The developer was contacted for further comment.