A WARD councillor has called on residents to have their say on a planning proposal that could see a residential village for people over 55 created on the site of a local golf course.

Orsett's Cllr Sue Little says it is important that all views are considered when Thurrock Council comes to make a decision on the plans at Langdon hills Golf Club.

The major development major development will include a 64 bed care home, and at least 167 homes, mostly for people aged over 55.

Proposals include the demolition of the existing buildings including the clubhouse and hotel.

The scheme is already attracting opposition from local residents - many of whom believe the area is rapidly becoming over-developed following the granting of permission for an 80 home residential estate on the other side of Lower Dunton Road, which they say is already causing traffic problems that can only get worse.

There is also a cynicism from some commentators who say the developers of both sites are guilty of using morally dubious tactics to get planning permission in the greenbelt.

The Redrow development was granted permission despite considerable opposition because the developers who bought the land pledged to build a hospice, which is currently under construction after delays in getting the projected started.

Much of the local comment is summed up a formal objection from Wayne Lempriere who lives on Lower Dunton Road.

He says: "This application to 'redevelop' the Langdon Hills Golf Club is not redevelopment of the existing site, it's to develop a colossal blot on the landscape.

"This isn't redevelopment this is a new village built on the back of poor and unfortunate people with dementia.

"These tactics are a disgrace. They seem to taking a leaf out of the Redrow development 200 metres down the road where permission to build 80 houses was granted on the back of the hospice.

"This development is no different, a vast development on the backs of 64 dementia sufferers.

"The rest is basically a sports village for the many with gym, swimming pool, cinema and restaurant. How many of the dementia sufferers will be using these facilities?

"Not to mention the redesigned club house with health spa and function area for 250 people and yet another function space for 150 guests so we have the potential for 400 people on site at functions with music blaring out while the 64 dementia patients suffer in silence at the noise nuisance. But never mind they won't complain!"

Cllr Little is urging residents, who either oppose or support the scheme to have their say on Thurrock Council's planning portal (click additional info link below).

She says: "Please put all your thoughts on the planning on the council web site either for or against.

"Please do not leave it to others. Please engage!"

And Cllr Little gives some indication of where her thoughts lie, adding: "Please also point out that the road is dangerous."