THURROCK planning councillors are being recommended to approve a controversial plan for seven new homes on an existing site occupied by just two homes in Stanford-le-Hope.

A number of previous applications to develop the site at 53-55 Third Avenue in the Homesteads ward have been rejected - as have two planning appeals but this time - despite a number of objections from residents - the scheme has won official approval.

Councillors will be told the application for planning permission for seven dwellings consisting of one semi-detached pair and five detached dwellings following the demolition of the two existing detached dwellings is sufficiently amended to win approval - and the developers are agreeing to a Section 106 commitment to a financial contribution of £636.50 towards the Essex Coast RAMS strategy to mitigate the impact of the development upon the Thames Estuary and Marshes Special Protection Area and - £5,000 to the council to explore options to introduce measures to prevent vehicles' parking obstructing the access points.

Officers say they are minded to advise councillors to approve the scheme because the new plan has been deemed as acceptable by the Planning Inspectorate who concluded that the level of development proposed would not affect the character of the area in this site and location.

That is even though officers conceded it will be more intensive development of a site and encroach into a large area of open garden space to the rear of properties on Third Avenue and Rose Valley Crescent. It has been deemed it would not have an adverse impact upon the special character of the Homesteads ward.

That isn't a view shared by ward councillor Gary Collins who says: "I would like to lodge an objection against the proposed plan to demolish two beautiful bungalows in order to cram seven more houses onto their plots in Third Avenue. This will destroy the character of the street and create even more parking problems."

Cllr Collins comments form one of 16 detailed objections to the proposal which can be viewed via this link.

The full report to be put before councillors at Thursday's (15 July) meeting can be read here.

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