Essex residents urged to 'fight' plans for 15,000 new homesCouncillors agree to send out plans to public consultationView Image A newbuild housing development (Image: PA)Residents have been urged to fight against a council's local housing plan that would allocate space for 15,000 new homes to be built across several Essex towns. Danielle Belton, Conservative leader of Rochford District Council, insists residents must take part in a consultation on the plans, which will help make a stronger case against the proposals. ‌Rochford and the surrounding towns and areas are expected to see 15,296 homes built by 2040, including large-scale developments with some over 1,000 homes. The former council leader added: “Our residents are sick to the back teeth of more development, promises of infrastructure that doesn't get delivered. If we truly believe in local voice then our engagement needs to be meaningful, accessible and proactive.”She insisted not supporting the consultation is to put the district at “further risk of destruction.”