PLANS to build 54 homes on green belt land in Grays have been approved despite objections from residents who argued affordable housing should not be used to justify development on protected countryside.

A majority of members on Thurrock Council's planning committee backed the scheme off Blackshots Lane on Tuesday, paving the way for 54 homes, half of which will be provided as affordable rent or shared ownership properties.

Residents and campaigners accepted the need for more affordable housing but warned it should not come at the expense of Green Belt protections.

Blackshots resident Faye Peake told councillors: "Reclassifying Green Belt land cannot be justified by simply offering affordable housing.

"While critically needed, affordable housing must not be used as a bargaining chip to bypass vital environmental protections."

Speaking on behalf of the Blackshots Residents Group, councillor Steven Pester said approving the application would undermine the borough's ongoing Local Plan process.

He said: "While we all recognise the critical need for affordable housing in Thurrock, it must not be used to override national environmental protections.

"Approving this application risks undermining the democratic plan-making process, with residents currently being asked to express their views on Thurrock's draft Local Plan."

Planning officers recommended approval, arguing the site met the Government's updated definition of "Grey Belt" land and would help tackle Thurrock's acute housing shortage.

A committee report highlighted the council's lack of housing land supply, stating the borough currently has around one year's worth of deliverable housing sites.

Supporters of the application also pointed to community benefits, including a £50,000 developer contribution towards Thurrock Harriers Athletic Club.

Geraldine Heapy, the club's chair, said the funding could prove crucial as the borough's only athletics track faces a resurfacing bill of at least £200,000.

She told the committee: "With the increasing footfall by community groups the surface is deteriorating. Financial support from this planning development is a lifeline for the future of the track."

Concerns were also raised over traffic and road infrastructure, with councillor James Poyntz questioning whether a £108,000 contribution towards improvements to Blackshots Lane would be sufficient.

Highways officers said the funding was proportionate to the development and could be combined with money from future schemes and external grants.

Councillors ultimately voted to grant planning permission, while also agreeing amendments to planning conditions, including measures to ensure level access into homes for residents with mobility needs.