THURROCK councillors are set to reconsider a controversial plan for 150 new homes near Orsett after being told their original reasons for refusal were legally incorrect reports the Local Democracy Reporter.
The proposal — which would demolish one existing property and replace it with a large housing development on land near Chapel Farm, behind Baker Street and High Road — was thrown out by the planning committee in December 2025.
Members cited harm to the green belt, inadequate infrastructure, an inappropriate location, and their belief that the land did not qualify as “grey belt”.
However, at a meeting in February, councillors were advised that two refusal reasons were legally unsound.
Officers told the committee that the site does meet the national definition of grey belt — a sub‑category of Green Belt land considered to make a limited contribution to its purposes — and that members’ previous interpretation of planning policy was incorrect.
As a result, the committee will revisit the application, allowing fresh consideration of additional information relating to green belt policy and updates on infrastructure impacts.
In their new report, planning officers maintain that the scheme remains suitable for approval, subject to a Section 106 agreement. They conclude the development is “appropriate development in the grey belt” and recommend granting permission.
The original plans attracted strong objections from residents, who argued the scheme would overwhelm the small hamlet, which currently has around 100 homes. Concerns centred on the pressure on school places, GP capacity and roads.
One objector previously warned the development was “unsustainable”, saying: “There’s a single convenience store, an oversubscribed GP and primary school. Passing this opportunistic development would set a precedent that sees our aspirational village sprawl into a town.”
Developers BDW Trading Ltd argue the scheme would deliver much‑needed housing, including 50 per cent affordable homes. Their planning lead, Ray Houghton, said lowering affordable rents to 70 per cent of market rate would make a “fundamental difference” to local families.
But some councillors voiced concern about expecting children to travel long distances to school, while others questioned whether a field currently grazed by horses could fairly be labelled grey belt.
The committee will now reconsider all evidence on Tuesday — including updated assessments — before making a new decision.
