Building as many as 6,000 homes in the countryside west of Basildon would be good for the borough, a senior councillor has insisted.

The claim came from Richard Moore, Basildon councillor responsible for planning, as more than 150 residents visited consultation meetings to find out about plans for a “garden suburb” between Basildon and Brentwood.

The Dunton Garden Suburb proposal could also include traveller pitches, commercial, retail and leisure developments and improvements to local road and rail links.

After seeing the plans, residents voiced concerns, especially about a lack of detail about where children from the homes would go to school and the need to improve road and rail links.

The events, at St Francis Church, West Horndon, and President’s Community Centre, Laindon offered a chance to see plans for land between Laindon and West Horndon.

Despite visitors’ reservations, Mr Moore was upbeat about the proposals.

He said: “It is essential we fully investigate potential areas for development properly to ensure we make the most of possible opportunities we have within our boundaries.

“This could potentially provide thousands of much-needed homes for both boroughs, as well as a new railway station and other community benefits.

“I would urge as many people as possible to take part in the formal consultation process, by submitting their views on the proposal so that both authorities can consider what to do next.”

The plans are the two councils’ response to the need to meet Government targets for new home building.

Phil Baker, Mr Moore’s counterpart on Brentwood Council, said: “People were asking questions and making comments, based on their local knowledge, which is the whole idea of the formal consultation process and is really helpful.

“When you look at them, they have lots of elements being taken into consideration that are important for any community, such as well-designed homes, new jobs, integrated transport and highway improvements, along with generous green spaces.”

Residents have until 5pm on February 17 to pass on their views to the councils via the website basildon.gov.uk/dunton or by emailing planningpolicy@basildon.gov.uk