AN MP has promised to work towards battling an “extremely detrimental” 99-home development.

Witham MP Priti Patel has voiced her opposition to the proposal by Gladman to develop land off Mell Road, Tollesbury.

Ms Patel said residents have contacted her about the situation and she hopes to make representations to Maldon District Council and Essex County Council highlighting concerns over the plans.

In a letter, she said: “The scale of the development is far too large for the village and would put considerable new pressures on our local services and infrastructure.

“I also have serious concerns about road safety and the proposals for vehicular access to the site.

“While Tollesbury may be able to accommodate some new modest developments for local families, these proposals are unjustified.

“In my experience dealing with Gladman applications in other parts of the Witham constituency, they will ignore local views and press ahead with their ill-thought-through plans regardless.

“They will use whatever tactics they can to try to secure planning permission and will throw large sums of money into this process.

“Despite their efforts and heavy-handed approach to planning, I believe that by coming together as a local community to oppose this proposal, we can put forward a strong and compelling case to beat them and get these appalling plans stopped.”

Ms Patel said she is also working closely with Tollesbury district councillor Elaine Bamford and the parish council.