Residents have formed an action group to fight against a new relief road being proposed for Billericay.

Basildon Council's draft local plan includes a major new road running through south west Billericay to ease congestion in the town and to also facilitate the planned 1,700 new homes,on Green Belt land.

The local plan includes details about proposed development in the borough over the next 20 years.

The current route takes in Frithwood Lane, and residents say the road is currently too narrow in parts for two cars to pass.

The group says the lane is used by children, dog walkers, horse riders and residents and they are concerned about the safety of these road users.

The concerned residents said the plans would necessitate the widening of this lane, despite there being houses on both sides, and they feel the council seems unable, or unwilling, to address residents’ concerns on its impact.

The group held a protest which was attended by about 200 residents.

The group claims the cost of the road is at least £16.7million without any further land acquisition expenses and yet, no credible evidence exists to guarantee better traffic conditions. Planned house numbers have increased in order to pay for a road that appears to be little more than an access for that very housing.

Sue Woodland, 53, spokesman for The Frithwood Lane Action Group heavily criticised the council for the plans.

She has lived in Frithwood Lane for 20 years and said: "To blight this existing community, ruin a quiet lane and create what looks to be a busy, and potentially dangerous junction at Tye Common Road on our doorstep is irresponsible.

"The Local Plan overall is set to ruin Billericay forever.

"Billericay does not have the infrastructure to take the planned 2,777 homes they want to build here - every single one of which will be on Greenbelt land. Nor does it have the capacity to add that infrastructure.

"The formation of FLAG is particularly focused on this relief road. The quiet lane will be lost forever by this road. It is also going to be surrounding by housing but that is a separate battle.

"Right now stopping the relief road from being built is of paramount importance."

The protest was held on Sunday, October 14.

The council is set to vote on the Local Plan at a meeting on Thursday October 18.

The Echo contacted Basildon Council for a comment.