New homes approved on green belt amid appeal fears

The green belt site is next to Ormiston Park Academy and opposite Aveley FC

Some 90 homes are to be built on green belt land amid concerns from councillors that a refusal could lead to a costly appeal process.

Land west of Park Lane in Aveley, Essex, will be developed by M Scott Properties following the approval by Thurrock Council.

Earlier this month, the Planning Inspectorate upheld an appeal over 1,000 new homes on green belt land at East Tilbury in the district. The Labour-controlled council spent £87,000 unsuccessfully defending its refusal.

"Green belt is a good substantive reason to refuse, [but] it’s become clear over the last few weeks that if we continue to reject these they are just going to be lost on appeal," said councillor Tom Kelly.

"It’s a lot of money and that’s tax payers’ money and we have to justify that cost."

The local authority deferred its decision in October in order to assess the implications of refusing the plans, which would have gone against the council officers' recommendation.

Councillors were concerned about "substantial harm" to the green belt and further pressure on schools and healthcare, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

'Incredibly difficult'

At planning committee, councillors agreed the scheme should be approved after hearing their reasons for refusal would not be successful at appeal.

Mr Kelly said councillors had previously been warned off approving development on green belt.

“For me as a councillor, it’s getting very difficult and confusing to sum up these applications.

"Not much has changed in the National Planning Policy Framework.

"The only thing that’s changed is attitude towards schemes in the green belt so it’s incredibly difficult to try to get your head around."

Labour councillor Steve Liddiard said he supported the approval for more housing.

“The deciding factor for me was that we haven’t even got a year’s supply of housing and the homeless situation in Thurrock is appalling at the moment," he added.