AN application has been made to Thurrock Council for permission in principle for a residential development of eight new homes and an office on scrubland in Grays.

The land sits adjacent to Hogg Lane and residences on the Badger's Dene estate and is described as being adjacent to Adstock Way, Pagette Way and Bankfoot.

The Essex Field Club, a natural history organisation, has already objected to the proposal, saying the application 'must surely be rejected by the local authority, since the application in principle cannot conceivably be compliant with the Wildlife & Countryside Act'.

Writing on behalf of the Field Club, Peter Harvey says the land is part of a nationally significant important invertebrate area.

The full application and the opportunity to comment can be found via this link.