Belton, Conservative leader of Rochford District Council, speculated whether the “right people are speaking to each other or it’s a lack of will to get it done”.
“We make these plans, we do the research, we spend the money and the time to ensure that the plan is sound, only for [it to be changed] by the third parties who have the control,” said Belton, speaking to BBC Essex presenter Sonia Watson.
“It does feel like an uphill battle that we as councillors are lobbying the government to look at how it can be changed and how it can be improved to be more sustainable.”
A spokesperson for Bloor Homes said it had “fulfilled its obligations” by offering the land and financial contribution “within the agreed timeframe”.
“The decision not to take forward the transfer of this land rests entirely with the primary care trust (ICB),” they said.