THERE are fears that illegal immigrants are living in illegal developments near Bowers Gifford.

A resident, who asked not to be named, has claimed that people are living in terrible conditions.

He says there are up to 50 illegal developments happening on greenbelt land in the village, especially in areas such as Lower Avenue and Carlton Road.

He said: “This has been going on for years. Illegal developments aren’t just happening in Hovefields, in Wickford, but it’s a problem across the borough.

“There are many illegal caravans, static homes and other buildings being used as rented homes for all sorts of people, including, allegedly, illegal immigrants.

“I see hardcore and tarmac laid down on the green belt land quite regularly.

“The mess is disgusting.

“It’s also very rough. I think there’s drug dealing going on.

“I have been speaking to councillors over the years and we’ve been following-up with Basildon Council.

“Ultimately it’s their responsibility.

“If these developers get away with it, they’re also earning money by charging rent to the caravans.”

Conservative councillor Kevin Blake, representing Burstead, said: “The residents in Bowers Gifford are living in hell.

“I have been following this up with the council for years.

“The reality is we can’t just concentrate on Hovefields, Wickford, where the council is currently taking legal action against illegal developments on greenbelt land because there are a lot of other people living in horrible conditions.

“Illegal development on greenbelt sites devalues the properties there.”

Mr Blake believed the developers are from the travelling community. He said:”I’ve been down to the site myself for years and there’s tarmac and hardcore dumped there regularly.

“I believe they’re who have bought a piece of land and then developing on them illegally.

“Residents have reported to me there are illegal immigrants down there.

“I have asked Basildon Council for an urgent meeting to discuss and investigate but they have not responded.”

“I don’t care if they are in the travelling community or not, but you can’t disobey planning laws and build on greenbelt sites.”

Ukip councillor Stephen Ward, representing Pitsea south east, agreed with him.

He added: “The residents are absolutely let down by the council.

“There are lots of illegal developments on the plot lands and I have been down there myself.

“I have sent emails to council officers asking them to do something about it, but there’s hardly a response.

“I’ve spoken to residents and they phone up all the time to complain about the illegal developments.

“Residents believe illegal immigrants and travellers are living in those caravans and I’ve asked council to investigate.

“Retrospective planning applications should not be allowed on green sites.”

Basildon Council has not confirmed if the caravan users are illegal immigrants.

A Basildon Council spokesman said: “Basildon Council attended court on Friday to make an application for an injunction in an attempt to prevent the residential use of a plot of green belt land south of Carlton Road, Bowers Gifford.”