THURROCK'S lead councillor for housing has spoken of his 'delight' that planning permission has been controversially granted to demolish a large council house that had been adapted for disabled living and replace it with four smaller houses.

The bid to demolish the existing home, in Loewen Road, Chadwell St Mary, has been long running but was finally brought to its controversial conclusion at a planning meeting last week.

In the wake of that decision local residents have slammed the council on social media for riding roughshod over their wishes.

However, housing portfolio holder Cllr Luke Spillman has brushed aside the criticism and issued an upbeat statement about the coming development.

He says: "I am delighted that we can move this project forward. The current property required significant investment to refurbish it and the new units will provide modern homes built to a high standard with gardens and ample parking for four Thurrock households on our housing register.

"Everyone should have access to a good quality home and we are committed to exploring new and innovative ways to unlock housing delivery and build better homes for our residents."

In the statement issued by the council including Cllr Spillman's comments, the council added: "The new three-bedroom properties will replace a single house to offer four Thurrock households modern and sustainable family homes in the council's continued effort to help meet the affordable housing needs of the borough.

"The approved design will see the existing site sensitively redeveloped to make efficient use of the land, providing four highly energy efficient new homes which incorporate renewable energy provision. Ample car parking will be provided including 10 off-street parking spaces plus electric charging point provision and individual gardens.

"In the last 15 months the council has handed over the keys to 60 brand new council homes across the borough and is set to complete 35 specialist new homes in Tilbury in 2022."