A DEVELOPER is challenging a decision by Thurrock Council's planning department to block his plans to create nine new flats on the site of a former motel.

Though the site consists of a number of longstanding temporary and permanent buildings already, planning officers decided the scheme would be an intrusion into the green belt.

Applicant Robert Hollington was told that his scheme for the site of the former Village Motel on Southend Road, Corringham, was a non-starter.

He had hoped to create three two storey blocks creating nine flats with associated parking an amenity areas.

The decision was announced in April this year but councillors were told at Thurrock Council's latest planning meeting that Mr Hollington feels aggrieved enough with the delegated decision that he is to appeal to the planning inspectorate.