Campaigners are preparing to rally in protest over contentious proposals to build 10,000 new homes on protected Green Belt land.
Campaigners are gearing up for a protest rally against controversial plans to build 10,000 new homes on Green Belt land north of Bournes Green Chase in Southend, a move they say would irreversibly damage the environment, increase traffic, and overwhelm public services.
The demonstration, organised by the Southend Confelicity Party, will take place on Sunday 8th June 2025, from 1pm to 3pm, at the Bournes Green Chase Green Belt Land. All Southend residents are invited to attend, with organisers urging participants to bring banners, posters, and signs to make their message clear. The event is weather permitting.
Plans for the protest came as more than 2,000 residents have signed a petition on the Southend City Council website, highlighted by The Oracle, calling on the council to “resist building any homes on Green Belt land north of Bournes Green Chase.”
Petition Highlights Future Impact
The online petition warns of long-term consequences including “increased traffic, pressure on schools and GP surgeries, and the permanent loss of natural space.”
Campaigners argue the development, which they say has emerged without adequate public consultation, could bring an estimated 20,000 additional cars onto Southend roads, worsening congestion and placing unbearable pressure on existing infrastructure.
“Once our Green Belt is built on, it’s gone forever,” the petition states.
James Miller, Leader of Southend Confelicity Party, has branded the plan a “potentially irreversible decision” that threatens both housing stability and local heritage. In a rallying statement, he declared: “Southend residents must scream their voices to fever pitch to save Bournes Green Chase Green Belt land.”
Council Pushes Infrastructure First
However, it is understood senior Southend councillors believe any development must be led by an “infrastructure-first” approach, which has been made clear in the formal expression of interest to the government and the emerging local plan. In addition, they want to ensure that any new homes on the site count towards the city’s housing growth figures because algorithms surrounding housing targets are “fundamentally flawed”.
Councillors are also concerned about the legal limitations around privately owned land – if planning consent is refused, developers can appeal, and the final decision may not rest with the council.
Make Your Voice Heard!
Write to your MP now and stand up for Southend’s Green Belt. Use this link for contact details, draft letters, and how you can take action today. Don’t wait, this affects us all.