UP to 30 residents will lose their parking spaces when new homes are built on an expanding estate.

People living on Five Links, in Laindon, fear they will be forced to battle for parking spaces when eight new affordable houses are unveiled in Crosse Courts.

Each of the family homes, a mix of two and three bedrooms, will be allocated two private parking spaces. The bays will be created in communal space which is currently used for on-road parking.

Existing residents, many who have lived on the estate for decades, have been told by developer Swan Housing Association that they will need to park their cars elsewhere.

Joan Gardener, 69, told the Echo she and husband John already struggle to park near their home in Crosse Courts.

Mrs Gardener said: “For years we had a problem with commuters, but eventually we got parking permits which has helped.

“But this is going to cause problems all over again. There is just not going to be enough space. It’s just going to be a nightmare as it’s already hard to park in roads nearby.

“We deserve some consideration as we already live here.”

A neighbour who has lived in Crosse Courts for 18 years, who asked not to be named, added: “The plans look nice, but not nice enough to lose all these parking bays.

“It is disgusting that existing residents, some who have lived here since the estate was built, will lose all this space with nothing in return, yet the new residents are guaranteed two bays per house.”

A spokesman for Swan Housing said: “These new family homes will be built on an area which we have recently allowed residents to park in, as an interim arrangement, whilst plans for the site were drawn up. We understand residents may be concerned about the impact of the removal of these parking spaces, however, a detailed transport statement and parking survey has been carried out and has confirmed there is enough space available across the estate to allow residents to park.Our housing teams will continue to work closely with residents, and the parking scheme which has been put in place by Swan will continue. “However, Swan is currently changing suppliers and will be using a new company to control parking going forward – PD UK.

“Our housing team will continue to support residents and address concerns they may have with regards to the parking provision.”