A public meeting will be held in Great Dunmow next week to show residents how a new housing development could affect them.

Organised by Great Dunmow Town Council, the event hopes to help people understand the impacts of plans to build on Easton Park Estate.

The development is one of six other sites being considered for housing, including plots in North Uttlesford and Takeley, and will ultimately be decided on by Uttlesford District Council.

A spokesman from the council, said: “The town council is disappointed that the district council has not organised a public meeting in Great Dunmow to explain the biggest change to the town in fifty years.”

The garden village proposal could see up to 10,000 new homes built in the area, with the council also anxious it could eventually merge Great Dunmow with Broxted and Little Easton.

Earlier this year, the council distributed leaflets informing people about the development, and set up an information area on its website.

Among its other concerns, the council also fears an increase in traffic.

Speaking in May, Jackie Deane, deputy clerk, said: “The only access [to the site] is off the A120 which is the main roundabout going into Dunmow. A lot of traffic would be coming off that roundabout.

“Although the site at Little Easton is a way away from that, the only access point is the Dunmow entrance. This is a 20-year programme, all from that junction.

“If the developers will improve it by putting another bridge over it, you can’t do any of these roadworks without inconvenience.”

If plans go ahead, the development will be part of Uttlesford District Council’s Local Plan, which is currently in its public consultation phase, ending on September 4.

Caroline Fuller, town council clerk, added, “This could be the last chance to have your say, so I urge everyone to write a short letter or email that says in your own words why you support or object to the plan. Just say how you feel and why.”

The meeting is on August 9, from 7-9pm, at Foakes Memorial Hall, and councillors will also be in High Street this Saturday, from 9.30am till noon.

They will also be in Angel Lane on August 8, from 9am to midday.