Campaigners in Great Dunmow are calling for action to prevent further development in the town.
The 'Say No to the Lost Mow' campaign is delivering leaflets and urging residents to take action against the Local Plan, which will see 3,646 new homes in Dunmow, 2,398 in Takeley and 1,200 in Little Easton.
They are especially concerned with plans for the recreation ground - also known as the rec. The proposals include new toilets, an increase of spaces in the car park, a storage unit and a Mixed Use Games Area (MUGA), with the deadline to comment on Friday, November 10.
According to campaigners, residents are concerned about the impact on noise and light pollution from late-night games and floodlights, as well as the impact on wildlife.
A spokesperson for Say No to the Lost Mow said: "We are deeply concerned that this is the start of a concrete 'Dunmow city' if even public land is being built on."
However, others have welcomed the plans as an improvement to the existing facilities, with Cllr Patrick Lavelle commenting: "A town the size of Dunmow needs a MUGA to provide sporting facilities to our residents, and especially for our younger residents."
Campaigners are also objecting to proposals for 869 new homes in Church End.
The spokesperson said: "This is a big development proposal that would ravage the land and change the landscape of Dunmow forever.
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"Not only are there environmental concerns, but the practicality of this development for the bridge, the pub, the church and river access as well as flooding, is alarming."
Developers Gladman, who are proposing the homes for Church End, said on their website: "Evidence produced by Uttlesford District Council during the preparation of the withdrawn Local Plan rightly identified Great Dunmow as a sustainable settlement and an appropriate location for housing growth.
"This has been recognised through the approval of new housing developments within in the town which have contributed to Great Dunmow’s role as a service centre that supports a wide rural catchment area, with the growth in local residents enhancing the viability of local services and supporting the growth of local businesses."
Uttlesford District Council has since voted to take forward their draft Local Plan following a full council meeting on Monday, October 30.
Residents are invited to give their feedback on the proposals at www.uttlesford.gov.uk/new-local-plan, with the consultation closing on Friday, December 15.
In the meantime, Say No to the Lost Mow is calling for residents who are interested in helping to deliver leaflets and spread the word to email saynotothelostmow@gmail.com, before the rec deadline on Friday, November 10.
They are also calling for residents to take part in the planning consultation and contact their local councillors with their views.
The spokesperson said: "The town has doubled in the last 12 years with few changes and improvements to amenities and facilities.
"The area will not be the same and this will not contribute to Uttlesford’s plans to reach net carbon zero.
"Our once leafy green field community will be a row of houses for 20 miles. We guess that most don’t want another Milton Keynes or Swindon.
"So have your say. Get on the planning website. Keep track of each new development proposed as part of the Local Plan. Submit your comments.
"Once comments are made, all council members involved have to agree to a project going ahead. Let’s make that impossible."
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