COLCHESTER MP Sir Bob Russell has labelled plans to build up to 3,000 homes on the town’s doorstep as a “planning outrage”.

The Liberal Democrat MP called on Colchester Council to get tough and “refuse to play ball” with colleagues in Tendring.

The controversial plans have been put forward by Tendring District Council as part of its draft local plan, which sets out where homes can be built for the next 20 years.

If the plans are agreed, it could see the same number of homes built on two nearby parcels of land, within the Colchester boundary.

Sir Bob attacked Tendring’s efforts to “plonk a significant part of its housing on Colchester’s doorstep”.

He said: “It is a planning outrage and local government at its worst.

“It is obvious a large proportion, if not all, these new properties will look to Colchester for their services.

“They will pay their council tax to Clacton, but that will be the height of their affiliation.

“Tendring will take all the new homes’ bonus money, but Colchester will pick up the consequences and none of the financial benefit.”

See Friday's Gazette for more