THOUSANDS of gallons of water have to be pumped out of a boggy meadow before work to build a controversial new housing estate can begin.
Residents living in Downham Road, Wickford, maintain that the 68-home development should not be built.
They say the land, which they describe as a natural water sump for rainfall trickling off surrounding high ground, has always been prone to waterlogging.
However, they claim that with a concrete and asphalt surface, the water will not drain away.
Juliet Daniels, who has lived in a house overlooking the field for 15 years, said: "Every house sold there should come with a free pair of wellies.
"The development is just not right. The field is a natural sump for the water that runs off high ground all around it.
"It's going to be a nightmare whoever lives there. It is not suitable for development. Lots of natural springs drain into it. It stays wet in the summer. It's slightly boggy even in a drought."
Campaigner John Field said: "Why would you want to buy a house here when the conditions are like this?"
Parts of Downham Road come under the jurisdiction of Chelmsford City Council and residents in this area do not believe they were consulted properly on the plans.
The planning application from developer Gleeson Homes had been rejected by Basildon Borough Council last year.
However, the firm re-submitted identical plans with new reports on traffic and drainage issues.
Planning committee members gave the green light in February this year, even though assurances had been given to Chelmsford councillor Ray Ride, who represents Runwell, that it could be deferred.
Even so, planning committee chairman Councillor Stephen Hillier said after a consultation that he had decided to press on, and that the final result was valid.
Residents are now looking at various options to force the council to revisit the application.
Councillor Ride added: "This field has always been an amenity for the community.
"This development has taken away that amenity and it is going to cause a problem for primary schools which already do not have enough spaces and it is going to cause a similar problem for the doctors surgeries.
"It makes no sense. The site is not suitable for this development. The decision is awful.
"Water uses that large area of grass to drain down. When you put concrete down, the water is going to have nowhere to go.
"Are you always going to be pumping water out?
"The decision is unsound, it is inappropriate and it is not sustainable.
"It will have big implications for Downham Road and the surrounding area – not Wickford or Basildon."
A Basildon Borough Council spokesman said: "Before granting permission for the development, the applicants had to demonstrate that the site would not create risks caused by flooding to future residents of the development or those living on neighbouring land.
"The planning application was accompanied by a number of technical documents including a Flood Risk Assessment, Surface Water Drainage Strategy and Foul Water Strategy to ensure these issues were fully considered in consultation with the specialist bodies.
"The application also includes proposals for a new drainage system and additional measures that will deal with many of the issues raised by residents."
