DEVELOPERS have been granted outline planning permission to build 75 homes on green belt land, two years after they were first approved.
TSA SX Ltd has been given the go ahead to draw up plans for 57 houses and 18 flats on land adjacent to Wood View and Chadwell Road, Grays.
Thurrock Council’s planning committee approved the scheme in June 2020, against officers’ advice to refuse it because it is on Green Belt and due to the “detrimental visual impact of acoustic fencing needed to prevent traffic noise”.
The committee cited employment during construction, housing supply and an effective use of land as reasons for supporting the scheme.
Officers warned these did not meet policies regarding building on green belt and if a complaint were to be made, a legal challenge could be brought against the council.
Unusually, the planning committee was asked to reconsider the approval in November 2020, but it once again granted permission for the scheme.
Because of the legal wrangle it was then referred to the Secretary of State for approval and now outline planning permission has finally been granted.
The developers will now have to submit detailed plans to the council for full approval but they face opposition from residents.
A previous consultation on the application drew a string of complaints.
Responding to the consultation, Wood View resident, Mariam Nalakhi, said: “We strongly object to the proposal as Wood View road is always extremely busy already. Pollution and traffic and noise will make it worse than it already is.
“The area is a beautiful green area with cows grazing and very serene and will be turned into a concrete housing development. What a shame.”
Michelle Buttigieg, also of Woodview, added: “Having already lost the green belt land behind us which is now a full housing estate, I am opposed to the loss of the last green field within the Wood View estate. If this is allowed it should be changed to “No View”.
“This land has always been used for livestock also the wildlife animals would be effected. There is also Oak trees there which are well established and which are environment needs. Please do not allow another estate as we have already been encroached with more houses within 2ft of our perimeter.”
