THURROCK Council is set to consider three major housing schemes that together would deliver more than 500 new homes across the borough reports the Local Democracy Reporter.
The developments, including significant levels of affordable housing, are all recommended for approval and will be discussed at Wednesday’s planning committee meeting.
The first proposal, for land adjacent to Echo Farm in South Ockendon, seeks full permission to build 69 homes, half of which would be affordable. Developers Woolsington One Ltd and Woody’s Developments Ltd plan to deliver associated roads, landscaping, public open space and parking on the site, located east of South Road.
Although the land lies within the Metropolitan Green Belt, planning officers have concluded it meets the new National Planning Policy Framework definition of “Grey Belt”, land that does not strongly contribute to key green belt purposes. A report to councillors states that the benefits of the scheme “clearly and convincingly outweigh the limited harm identified”, citing the delivery of affordable housing, economic gains and environmental enhancements. Approval is recommended subject to a Section 106 agreement.
The largest of the three applications is for 412 homes on land south of the railway line and north and west of Southend Road in Corringham. Mulberry Strategic Land Limited is seeking outline permission for housing alongside a primary school, care home, 2,000 sq m convenience store, and new open spaces.
Covering 55 acres of green belt land, the site borders the built-up area of Corringham and is currently laid to grass with field boundaries marked by mature hedgerows. Planning officers say the development would bring long-term economic benefits once occupied, adding that its proximity to DP World London Gateway supports “sustainable commuting patterns”. The scheme is also recommended for approval, again subject to a Section 106 agreement.
The third proposal, from Stonebond Properties (Chelmsford) Ltd concerns land adjacent to The Paddocks in Horndon on the Hill. The outline application seeks permission for up to 49 homes, half of them affordable, along with landscaping, public footpaths and parking. Officers say the site can comfortably accommodate the homes proposed and recommend that permission be granted.
All three applications will be considered at Wednesday’s planning committee meeting.
