AT their last meeting before May's elections, Thurrock Council planning committee members are set to consider a major application for 116 homes on green belt land at Chadwell St Mary.

The proposal, submitted by NWM Properties, covers a 18-acre site east of Chadwell Hill. It includes 58 affordable homes – half the total – alongside new access roads, parking, landscaping, public open space and ecological improvements.

Planning officers are recommending approval, arguing the scheme meets new national planning rules allowing development on so called "grey belt".

Effectively, for the first time the scheme will put homes classified as Chadwell directly next to homes in Tilbury - formerly known as urban sprawl which often used as a reason to refuse green belt applications. The new 'grey belt' designation has clouded that position..

Under the 2024 National Planning Policy Framework, grey belt refers to green belt land that does not strongly fulfil key purposes such as preventing sprawl or stopping towns merging.

The site is largely enclosed by existing development to its north, south and west, with only its far southern edge open to the countryside. No housing is proposed for this more sensitive section.

Officers conclude the land does not strongly contribute to green belt purposes and therefore can be considered for development under the revised rules.

The council also cites Thurrock's significant unmet housing need, the provision of 50 per cent affordable housing, and the site's proximity to local services and bus routes as key factors weighing in favour of approval.

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Energy-efficient design, air source heat pumps, solar panels and a sustainable drainage system also form part of the proposal.

The plans include two-storey houses, maisonettes and small apartment blocks.

A central "village green" with play equipment is proposed, along with two large areas of public open space within existing local wildlife sites on the eastern and southern parts of the land.

However, several environmental groups – including Buglife, Essex Wildlife Trust and the Essex Field Club – have objected on biodiversity grounds. Four objections from residents were also lodged, citing concerns over access, traffic, pressure on local services, and loss of amenity.

If councillors agree with officers but decide the scheme constitutes inappropriate green belt development, the application must be referred to the Secretary of State before permission can be issued.

A Section 106 package totalling more than £250,000 has been negotiated, including NHS and special educational needs contributions, bus stop improvements, open space funding and travel plan monitoring.

The committee will meet to decide the application on Tuesday.

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