DEBATE over a controversial new homes site in Grays was postponed this evening after Thurrock Council's planning committee deferred consideration of an application to build on land in Grays.

Local residents and ward councillors have been 'implacably opposed' to the plan for eight new homes on land adjacent to Curling Lane, Helleborine and Meesons Lane.

They turned up to lobby councillors to reject the scheme, with ward councillor Martin Kerin due to speak, but they were told consideration of the item had been put on hold.

Though the report put before committee, which recommends approval, says there are no badgers on the land in an area known as Badgers Dene, residents and wildlife campaigners say there are and the meeting was told the matter needs to be clarified before the issue can be debated.

"We are disappointed that the matter is not being dealt with but we are not going to go away and we will be back," said Cllr Kerin.