THURROCK Council has granted permission in principle for a residential development of eight homes and an office on open land in Grays.

The application was featured recently on Thurrock Nub News, which followed up with a story including opposition from ward councillor Tony Fish.

However, council officers have overridden those objections and told developers PMEL that they have granted the application.

Applicant Mr Arif Abdul Latif has been told of the green light but it does not come with building regulations approval which will have to be sought.

A report on the building bid for the wooded and scrubland area adjacent to Adstock Way, Pagette Way, Bankfoot and Hogg Lane says: "The permission in principle consent route is an alternative way of obtaining planning permission for housing-led development which separates the consideration of matters of principle for proposed development from the technical detail of the development.

Cllr Tony Fish.

"As the site is unclassified within the Core Strategy the principle of residential development is considered acceptable in terms of the adopted local plan (dated 2015).

"The vehicular access would not be acceptable and there are fundamental concerns relating to the proposed access arrangements, but the legislation does not allow this to be considered at this stage."

"The provision of eight properties and an office would not appear unduly out of character with the surrounding pattern of development or be at odds with surrounding uses."

The full decision notice can be read via this link.