Ms Patel stressed to the Local Government Minister responding, Rishi Sunak MP, that the Stonepath Meadow and Gleneagles Way planning applications in Hatfield Peverel and the Rivenhall Incinerator application should be refused.

Witham MP Priti Patel spoke out against controversial plans to build the Rivenhall Incinerator in a Commons debate on Thursday.

She also claimed Colchester Borough Council had “alienated local residents” with their poor record on planning.

Speaking about the planning applications, Ms Patel said: “These sites are unsuitable for development and raise wider issues about local communities’ and local councils’ ability to establish their own vision for development being undermined. Local communities should be at the forefront of the planning process.”

“I was pleased to make direct representations to the Government and press for the planning applications affecting Gleneagles Way and Stonepath Meadow in Hatfield Peverel to be refused.

“I also pressed for the latest Rivenhall Incinerator planning application to be refused. This is causing huge concerns to local residents and is a development that uses out of date technology and will impact on the environment.”

Speaking after the debate, Ms Patel said: “This part of Essex is growing and the County needs new investment in infrastructure and public services to meet growing demand. There are proposals for significantly more housing in the future and they need to be thoroughly scrutinised and fully considered by the Government. The views of residents must be listened to and any major new developments must come with the necessary infrastructure and services with Government, councils and the private sector working together.”

Ms Patel also criticised Colchester Borough Council’s record on planning matters, commenting: “Colchester Borough Council has alienated local residents with their poor record on planning. Residents in places like Stanway and Tiptree feel ignored and let down by the Council. Instead of supporting local jobs and growth the Council blocked much needed new retail and leisure facilities in Stranway and wasted taxpayers’ money.”