A CONTROVERSIAL plan to build more than 120 homes on Thurrock green belt has been delayed after councillors demanded clarity over the potential loss of playing fields at a local school.
Thurrock Council’s planning committee on Tuesday considered an outline application from Estates and Agency Strategic Land for up to 121 homes on fields next to St Clere’s School and Butts Lane, Stanford-le-Hope.
The 19-acre site, currently open arable land between Stanford-le-Hope and Linford, sits beneath overhead power lines and includes a major gas pipeline.
Neil Speight, Independent councillor for Stanford-le-Hope West, urged the committee to reject the scheme, warning it would close the remaining gap between the two communities.
“Urban sprawl may no longer be a trendy phrase, but gradually these communities are creeping together,” he said.
Mr Speight argued the site was “unsuitable for development” due to power infrastructure, the nearby railway line and what he called “unsafe” access at Butts Lane.
“Those roads are narrow, twisting and very dangerous,” he said, adding that the lane near St Clere’s was prone to surface water and had seen “a number of significant accidents, including one young man losing his arm”.
However, the developer’s agent, Ryan Walker, said the plans had been shaped through “extensive discussions” with council officers and key stakeholders.
The scheme includes 50 per cent affordable housing—60 homes—aimed at reducing pressure on Thurrock’s housing waiting list, which Mr Walker said exceeds 5,000 families.
He argued the development complied with national policy and would support future growth linked to the expansion of DP World London Gateway.
“Homes and jobs will be well connected,” he told members, adding that 40 per cent of the site would remain as infrastructure.
Mr Walker also highlighted benefits to St Clere’s School, which supports the scheme. Funding from the land sale, he said, would enable “significant upgrades” to sports facilities for pupils and the wider community.
Sports England has maintained an objection over the loss of some playing field land, despite the applicant insisting that pitch provision would not be reduced.
Councillors ultimately rejected a recommendation to approve the plans and instead voted unanimously to defer the decision while seeking “clarity on Sports England’s position and the actual nature of any proposed enhancements,” committee chair Michael Fletcher said.
The application will return to committee once further information is provided.
