PLANS for a controversial housing development have been withdrawn just four days before they were due to be considered by Thurrock Council's planning committee.

Thurrock Nub News recently reported on the bid for 140 new homes in Chadwell St Mary.

The scheme had been recommended for refusal by planning officers and with a large public outcry against it, the applicants have pulled the proposal.

Ward councillor Sara Muldowney welcomed the news, saying: "We did it! This is a big win for Chadwell residents!

"Cllr Daniel Chukwu and I first raised our objections to this development last April along with other concerned Chadwell residents.

"More recently we have both worked alongside local residents to raise a petition against this development.

"Well done to lead petitioner Ashleigh and all the nearly 300 other local residents who signed the petition. With your help we have stopped this development on Chadwell's green belt!"