VILLAGERS have launched a campaign to try to stop homes being built on the site of a former leisure club.

The tenants of Ardleigh Hall Leisure Club closed it suddenly in August 2014.

The sports club was home to rising squash stars, small businesses and a number of village groups.

Cash loss and falling membership were blamed.

Building owner Ardleigh Hall LLP has now submitted plans for seven detached four-bedroom homes on the site in Dedham Road.

Former club member Clive Salmon said plans for more housing in the village were a step too far.

“Ardleigh has already accepted a number of infill housing which the village can sustain.

“They are being built now.

“Unlike other villages there are no jobs, railway station, everyone has got to drive.

“Other developments have more sustainability,” he added.

Earlier this month plans to build 118 homes off Wick Lane by Gladman Developments Ltd were labelled “farcical, speculative” and “unwanted” by some residents.

Ardleigh’s doctors’ surgery is full as is St Mary's Primary School.

Mr Salmon speculated the latest plans had gone in before Tendring Council completed its Local Plan for allocated developments in the district.

He added: “It is a disgrace the way it has been handled.

“It was obviously more than just a private members’ club. It was a social hub and it was linked to the primary school.

“Squash sessions were held in there and that has cost a fortune to bus people to the Colchester Garrison instead.”

Residents are in the process of planning a public meeting about their campaign.

A report in the plans states the developer would be willing to compensate for the lost squash courts by financing the upgrade of court at Brightlingsea Sports Centre and Frinton Lawn Tennis and Squash Club.

Tendring Council will have the final say on the plans.

Vaughan and Blythe, of which Ardleigh Hall LLP is a part, declined to comment.