A PROPOSAL to build 150 new homes on land behind Baker Street and High Road in Orsett has been backed by planners ahead of a final decision next week.

The application by BDW Trading Ltd seeks full permission for the demolition of one property to create access and the construction of homes on land behind Baker Street and High Road. The homes will range from one to four bedrooms.

Half of the properties would be affordable, including a mix of affordable rent, shared ownership, and first homes.

The scheme, adjacent to Chapel Farm, also includes two children's play areas, pedestrian and cycle links, and landscaping to deliver biodiversity net gains.

The 17-acre site lies within the Metropolitan Green Belt, but officers say the development would provide "significant planning benefits," including meeting housing targets and delivering 75 affordable homes.

The applicants met with Orsett councillors in April. A dedicated online portal was created to encourage further feedback.

Public consultation drew 79 responses, with concerns about infrastructure, traffic, and loss of green space.

"The number of proposed dwellings is also excessive for a small hamlet"

However, some supported the scheme. Another resident said: "There's lots of people who haven't got housing and can't afford it and this will give them a chance to have affordable homes without relying on the council. So anything for more housing, to be quite honest.

"It will also help the healthcare system locally, perhaps take some of the burden off Basildon and what's left of Orsett Hospital, and maybe bring the waiting lists down for people needing to see specialists."

The planning committee will receive the officers' report on the application on Tuesday (9 December).

Another application for 187 homes in Orsett on another plot in the village is currently being considered by Thurrock planners.

And also up for consideration by councillors next week is a plan for a major new estate in Corringham, which is also approved by planning officers.