A PLANNING chief who faced calls to quit after objections to his vision for the borough has insisted he has the interests of the community at heart.

Ian Burchill, Castle Point Council’s director of environment and community services, was instrumental in creating a core strategy for the borough, setting out where new homes should go to meet a Government target of 5,000 by 2026.

As well as 4,000 homes on previously developed bro-wnfield land, 1,000 homes were earmarked for green belt, angering residents and some councillors.

On Monday, councillors voted to defer making a decision on the document and go out to public consultation, leading some councillors to question whether Mr Burchill should remain in the job.

Yesterday, Mr Burchill stood by his plan as the best option for the future of Castle Point and said he had no intention of stepping down as a result of the criticism.

He said: “I am a professional and I am not going to comment on personal criticism.

“I accept public opinion is something we need to take account of, but we all need to think about our future.

“It is essential to have a long-term plan. Without that, the community is at risk of all sorts of unwanted development.”

He drew attention to The Chase development in Thundersley in the Seven-ties, which the Government pushed through despite local opposition because the borough council could not demonstrate a five-year land supply plan.

More recently, Gleeson Homes were granted permission to build 200 homes on green belt land in Wickford because Basildon Council did not have a core strategy in place.

Mr Burchill said: “The longer the process goes on the more at risk we are.

“I have the best interests of the community at the heart of what I do.”

The eight-week consultation begins on January 9.

It is then up to councillors to decide whether any amendments will be made before it is sent to the Government for the final seal of approval.