THREE planning applications for housing developments in the village of Bulphan have been rejected – despite the best efforts of some councillors to veto planning policy in the green belt.

The applications came before this evening's (Thursday, 15 August) meeting of Thurrock Council's planning committee.

The first application was for the demolition of existing buildings and hard standing at Judds Farm and erection of a cart lodge style garage for existing dwelling, construction of eight residential units, parking and strategic landscaping.

Cllr Gerard Rice was an ardent supporter of the scheme and said: "We have a lot of industry coming into the borough. We do lack high-quality homes for the captains of industry.

"The national planning framework does allow for homes on previously developed land. We do have a significant under supply of housing."

He proposed rejecting officers' recommendations to reject the scheme but that was something non voting member Steve Taylor (representing the Campaign to Protect Rural England) disagreed with.

He emphasised the importance of Green Belt land between Upminster and Basildon.

Committee chair Cllr Tom Kelly said he supports executive homes in the borough but said Thurrock Council cannot "cherry pick" policies from the national framework and the absence of a five year land supply is not sufficient to approve the planning application.

Cllr Gary Byrne said: "I trust the officers. Why should we be putting the decision making for the Borough in the hands of the National Planning Casework Unit?"

Cllr Angela Lawrence supported Cllr Rice and seconded his alternative motion that the application should be approved but that was rejected by a majority of 5-4 and the application was refused.

Cllr Lawrence was also a supporter of a plan for six detached homes at adjacent to Brentwood Road and Peartree Cottage and wanted to overrule a recommendation for refusal.

She said: "Get real. This is not the 1950s. I wish it was because it was pretty then but we need to build. There are only 300 homes in this area.

"It's a shame our own senior officers do not live in the borough. These homes are pleasing on the eye. This area is as utter mess and we need to start to moving forward."

Cllr Rice said: "This site is used for fly-tipping. Limited infill development is permitted in the national planning framework.

"We do need larger homes for the senior officers to live in. People should not live in London, Brentwood or Southend. We should be providing for them in the borough. This application should be approved."

Mr Taylor countered: "We talk about executive homes but there are lot in the borough and no one is taking them up."

Principal Planning Officer Tom Scriven told the meeting: "The site itself is not within the village of Bulphan so we would expect to see Very Special Circumstances. The site is isolated."

However Cllr Byrne saw some merit in the idea of building in the green belt but with caveats, saying: "At some point we will need to build on the green belt. We are trying to shoehorn development into a small place. But this application is not appropriate."

His view was in the ascendency and the application was refused.

A further application for new homes on Peartree Lane also came before councillors.

Cllr Byrne was on the front foot immediately, saying;": "This is a dangerous precedent. It should be refused."

However, Cllr Rice disagreed. He said: "If we do not start approving these applications then sooner or later ministers will put pressure on us. We are a failing local authority when it comes to housing supply. Limited infilling is allowed. We should accept this proposal."

Mr Taylor said: "The debate as to whether this is or is not the village could go on all night. We need to look at appeal decisions and the weight previously attached to the role of the green belt in this location."

Cllr Kelly disagreed with Cllr Rice, saying: "We are not a failing authority. There are Local Planning Authorities that are in a worse position to Thurrock."

Despite the cross party alliance of Cllr Rice (Labour) and Cllr Lawrence (Con) calling for approval to be given, the application was rejected.