A GROUP of residents fighting against overdevelopment of their village have helped launch a national petition.

Hands Off Danbury helped create the petition against rural over-development which has gathered 4,000 signatures in just four days.

They are one of 50 groups across the country who have formed an alliance against development called All 4 Better Development.

Hands Off Danbury are fighting against plans submitted by Gladman Developments for 140 homes near the A414.

Other plans included a 72-bed care home on land adjacent to Danbury Medical Centre which was refused and 150 homes off Maldon Road.

Mark Scofield, chairman of Hands Off Danbury, said: “Hundreds of people in Danbury have been fighting against planning and we're seeing applications for 363 houses in a village of just 2000 houses.

“There is no new infrastructure and Chelmsford Council despite their best efforts, appear powerless to stop the applications.

“I spoke to other groups around the country and they were all saying the same thing.

“They knew there needed to be new houses just not on the scale proposes by the Government and by local authorities.”

Other Essex groups involved include Hands Off Steeple Bumpstead (HOSB) , Campaign Against Urban Sprawl in Essex (CAUSE),We are Residents-Uttlesford and South East Essex Action Group Alliance (SEEAGA).

To sign the petition visit https://petition.parliament.uk/petitions/177333.