THE chairman of Thurrock Council's planning committee says the authority will be battling hard to win Planning Inspectorate approval for its decision to reject a controversial green belt application.

Thurrock Nub News reported last week on news that an appeal has been lodged against the council's decision to refuse plans for a super quarry in the borough.

In February last year Ingrebourne Valley Ltd's plans for a sand and gravel super quarry between Linford, Orsett and Stanford-le-Hope were rejected by seven out of nine planning councillors. However, the company has now been granted leave to appeal and a public inquiry will be held starting 23 February 2027, at a location to be decided.

In the wake of that decision, Thurrock Nub News contacted the seven Reform councillors who now represent the wards bordering the quarry application, asking if they would continue to oppose it at the inquiry.

The only one to respond is Orsett councillor Steve Taylor, who told us: "The decision Thurrock made was to refuse permission. That decision stands.

"As you are aware anyone who has been refused planning permission has the right to appeal to the Secretary of State. In this case they have done so. Thurrock will robustly defend its decision to refuse and the applicant will put forward their case for approval. The decision will be that of the inspector."