A council row has erupted as local residents fear that plans to build at least 3,000 new homes will destroy two leafy Essex villages.
The massive garden community development on Hammonds Farm between Sandon and Little Baddow could eventually expand to 4,500 homes, fundamentally altering Chelmsford's landscape.
Despite vocal opposition from locals who have lived in the area for decades, many feel powerless to prevent the changes.
Christopher Cundy, who has lived in Hammonds Lane for 42 years, said: "It'll come, whatever. There's nothing we can do about it."
An image from the site of the development
HAMMONDS FARM
The development forms part of Chelmsford City Council's long-term plan to deliver 23,326 new homes by 2041.
Local residents have expressed deep concerns about the strain on already congested roads.
Margaret Cook, a long-time resident, told Essex Live: "I just don't understand how the roads will cope."
She added: "If there is a problem on the A12 this road becomes blocked up. It's a nightmare."
A map of the proposed development
HAMMONDS FARM
The development includes two additional warehousing and business park projects, with one at Howe Green potentially creating 1,600 jobs.
Christopher Cundy voiced dismay at losing the rural landscape, adding: "You can see how beautiful it is. Why would they want to spoil all this?"
Infrastructure worries from residents extend beyond traffic.
Hayley Dorrian, who is considering leaving the area if plans proceed, also said: "What about GP surgeries and schools?"
The massive garden community development on Hammonds Farm between Sandon and Little Baddow, east of Chelmsford, could eventually expand to 4,500 homes, fundamentally altering the Chelmer Valley landscape
Former Sandon parish councillor Vic Trew said: "We complain and we go to the meetings. I don't know anyone who's in favour of it but we feel that no one's listening."
However, local resident Paul Walters, who lives on the edge of the proposed site off the A414, admitted that he is torn.
"Having three kids, I recognise people need places to live," he said. I wasn't against it at the start, but for me, there would have to be enough homes that were affordable."
Chelmsford City Council acknowledged the "significant levels of opposition" but maintained the sites are "suitable and sustainable" following additional traffic modelling and archaeological assessments.
The council stated that "sustainable accessibility" along the A12 means road impacts "should not be considered severe", though discussions with National Highways remain necessary.
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