PLANS to add more than 30 new bedrooms to houses on a new Thurrock housing development were quickly nodded through by planning councillors last night (Thursday, 16 July).

Developers Redrow returned to the planning committee for the fourth time since the original planning permission for the Shires development was granted to change the number and nature of three, four and five bedroom homes on the estate.

The overall number of 80 homes on the site on Lower Dunton Road will remain the same but there will be considerably less three bed homes, more four bed homes and seven five bed homes that were previously in the plan.

Despite the increased numbers of people likely to be living on the estate and possibility of more cars councillors had no questions - other than to seek confirmation that the new hospice - to be run by St Luke's - on the site remains on track.

They were told it was.

Planning officer Chris Purvis told the meeting: "The changes are only very marginal and the very special circumstances outweigh any harm to the green belt."

Local residents have been consistent in their opposition to the development, which has already grown from 50 to 80 homes once the principle of building there was established.

Agent for the developers, James Bompass, told the meeting: "What should be celebrated is that captains of industry want to live in Thurrock."

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Cllr Gerard Rice added: "I must say it's excllent news that the hospice is on track, it's something the borough would never be able to afford."

And he welcomed the bigger homes, saying: "We might encourage some of senior council officers to live in our borough which would enhance their lives and improve their feel for the borough which would be welcome.

"I think we should commend this."