THREE major new housing schemes will be debated by Thurrock Council's planning committee tomorrow (Wednesday, 21 January) - though a huge new scheme deferred at its last meeting is not on the agenda.

The developments that will be debated are all recommended for approval .

The first proposal, for land adjacent to Echo Farm in South Ockendon, seeks full permission to build 69 homes, half of which would be affordable. Developers Woolsington One Ltd and Woody's Developments Ltd plan to deliver associated roads, landscaping, public open space and parking on the site, located east of South Road.

Although the land lies within the Metropolitan Green Belt, planning officers have concluded it meets the new National Planning Policy Framework definition of "Grey Belt", land that does not strongly contribute to key green belt purposes.

A report to councillors states that the benefits of the scheme "clearly and convincingly outweigh the limited harm identified", citing the delivery of affordable housing, economic gains and environmental enhancements. Approval is recommended subject to a Section 106 agreement.

The largest of the three applications is for 412 homes on land south of the railway line and north and west of Southend Road in Corringham. Mulberry Strategic Land Limited is seeking outline permission for housing alongside a primary school, care home, 2,000 sq m convenience store, and new open spaces.

The application is a very controversial one with significant local opposition. It has been under debate and consultation for a number of years but a formal submission to the council was made in September last year.

Original proposal for the site included a new rail station - but this has since been dropped

Covering 55 acres of green belt land, the site borders the built-up area of Corringham and is currently laid to grass with field boundaries marked by mature hedgerows.

Planning officers say the development would bring long-term economic benefits once occupied, adding that its proximity to DP World London Gateway supports "sustainable commuting patterns".

The scheme is also recommended for approval,Land South of Railway Line and north and west of Southend Road Corringham Essex.pdf again subject to a Section 106 agreement.

A proposal for 300 homes on an adjacent green belt site in Corringham was approved by the council last month.

The third proposal, from Stonebond Properties (Chelmsford) Ltd concerns land adjacent to The Paddocks in Horndon on the Hill.

The outline application seeks permission for up to 49 homes, half of them affordable, along with landscaping, public footpaths and parking. Officers say the site can comfortably accommodate the homes proposed and recommend that permission be granted.

One major proposal not on the agenda, is the highly controversial bid for 2,100 homes between Bulphan and West Horndon, which was deferred at the last planning meeting.