THREE councillors in Grays have added their concern to public opposition to the granting of planning permission in principle for eight new homes on a green space in the town.

Thurrock Nub News reported this week on the decision by planning officers to allow the open space to be developed for housing.

Grays Riverside ward councillors Tony Fish, Martin Kerin and Jane Pothecary have vowed to fight any detailed application following up on the 'permission in principle' for the land adjacent to Hogg Lane and Pagette Way, in Badgers Dene.

They says development there would be 'terrible for the area, and destructive to the environment.'

In a joint statement, they said: "The proposal to build in this area of beauty is terrible for the area of Grays which we are proud to represent. It would represent a destruction to the environment which is, quite simply, beyond the pale.

"Of equal concern to us is the fact that a new access on Hogg Lane will need to be created. This reminds us of the shambles around the 'Belmont Debacle' when the Council attempted to build over Parker Road green space - which took a huge fight from us and local residents to stop.

"We agree wholeheartedly with the concerns of Essex Field Club, Natural England and Essex Wildlife Trust regarding the damage to the environment. We wholeheartedly agree with the council's own Highways Department regarding the ridiculous access road. Most importantly, we totally and 100 per cent agree with our residents that this green oasis in the middle of a densely built up area needs to be protected.

"We will be fighting this!"