A PLANNING inspector has dismissed an appeal to build six retirement bungalows on green belt land in Corringham, citing harm to openness and failure to demonstrate very special circumstances.

The proposal, lodged by William Anderson for land adjacent to a property on Fobbing Road at Fobbing Carp Farm, sought outline consent for six single-storey homes for over-55s. Plans included three one-bedroom and three two-bedroom bungalows, private gardens, electric vehicle parking, visitor spaces, and hedge planting.

However, in his summary explaining his decision, the inspector concluded the scheme would amount to inappropriate development in the green belt, saying: "The proposal would have an adverse impact on openness resulting in significant harm to the Green Belt and would conflict with purposes of the green belt."

The inspector also found the development would harm the character and appearance of the area. Concerns were raised over highway safety, flood risk mitigation, and potential impacts on the Thames Estuary and Marshes Special Protection Area.

While the applicant argued the homes would meet local need for older residents, the inspector ruled these benefits did not outweigh the harm and added: "It has not been demonstrated that the proposed vehicular access would be safe, nor that flood risk could be suitably mitigated."

The inspector added: "The benefits that would accrue from the provision of six purpose-built dwellings for individuals aged 55 and over, the identified sustainability and biodiversity enhancements and economic and social benefits even when considered together, would not clearly outweigh the harm to the Green Belt and other harms identified."

The site, described as a disused carp pond with overgrown shrubbery and a dilapidated outbuilding, was refused by Thurrock Council in December 2024. The inspector upheld that decision, noting the development would reduce openness and undermine green belt purposes designed to prevent urban sprawl.

A bid for costs of the appeal be met by Thurrock Council was also rejected.