RESIDENTS have voiced fears that a housing developer is set to target Canvey’s Dutch Village, after plans have been submitted to build stables on the site.

Persimmon Homes withdrew a controversial bid to build 275 homes on the site in 2017, after huge public backlash.

And now suspicions have been raised that the firm still has hopes to build an estate on the land east of Canvey Road after the company submitted a planning application to build stables on the same site.

Castle Point Council have a policy to attempt to prevent the development of green belt land, such as the last east of Canvey Road, but prioritises the protection of ‘virgin green belt’, which is completely untouched land.

Campaigners fear that if this application is approved, it could be a precursor for further development.

Graham Bracci, chairman of the Canvey Green Belt Campaign group, said: “I definitely see it as a stepping stone, so that the land is considered previously developed land in the green belt.

“Castle Point Council is differentiating between what they term as ‘virgin’ green belt land.

“They want to protect this ‘virgin’ green belt land, although this was all stated within the last Local Plan, which obviously has not come to fruition.

“The site has long been in the frame for development, but it is clear it is very important to the residents of the island.”

Canvey’s Dutch Village refers to the land behind two tiny Dutch cottages which are preserved, from when 200 Dutch immigrants took control of the island in the early 17th century.

One is still inhabited while the other is preserved as a museum. The former plans submitted by Persimmon Homes included 275 homes, as well retail space, but came under huge criticism from residents for proposing to build on the green belt, as well as a lack of infrastructure on the island.

An estate agent, who asked that he and his business remain anonymous, admitted it is often a tactic used by developers.

Persimmon Home did not respond to the Echo’s request for comment.