VILLAGERS are in uproar after it was revealed cash paid by developers behind an unpopular housing scheme will go to Halstead Leisure Centre.

Last year, Crest Nicholson won planning permission to build 50 homes off Monks Road, Earls Colne, despite a campaign from local residents and councillors.

Their displeasure has now increased ten-fold after they discovered the Section 106 agreement included contributions to Halstead Leisure Centre.

At a Braintree Council Planning Committee meeting, it was decided £42,759.92 would be paid towards off-site outdoor sports at the centre.

Resident Timothy Spelling said: “If the development is in Earls Colne should the monies not, or at least some of it, go to the village? We will have to suffer from these new homes, why can’t we reap the rewards.

“We have our own recreational centre, why can’t the money go their way?”

Chairman of Earls Colne Parish Council, John Bendall, said: “Similarly to the residents, we are very concerned.

“The first we knew of the Section 106 agreement allocating money to Halstead Leisure Centre was on the night of the planning committee meeting.

“We had no part of the discussion.

“We made it clear to start with that we were not happy with the site being used for housing, so then to hear the Section 106 money was not staying in the village has made it worse.

“It has all left a nasty taste in the mouth.”

Braintree Councillor for The Colnes, Chris Siddall, said:”It was a surprise to learn that the Section 106 money in relation to Earls Colne will be spent in Halstead. If Earls Colne have to take the pain, then they should also receive the gain.

“This planning application came very late, making it difficult for it to be discussed in full with the Parish Council.

“We have made our concerns known to Braintree Council and every effort will be made to make sure the money is payable to Earls Colne.”