THIRTEEN months after outlining its initial plans for more than 500 homes on two sites boardering the A13 in Grays, a housebuilder has followed up with a formal application.

Last June Thurrock Nub News reported on the intention of Miller Homes Ltd to build up to 600 homes in the green belt and now the company has submitted a formal application for outline planning permission, though it has slightly dropped the number of homes planned.

The development land is east of the North Stifford Interchange and flanked to the north by the A13 and by Stifford Clays Road, the A1012 and Long Lane to the south.

Miller Homes has pledged 50 per cent of the homes will be affordable housing.

The site consists of predominately agricultural land split into two parcels which are bisected by Stifford Clays Road. It sits between the developed edge of the Stifford Clays community, to the south and east, and the A13 to the north and west.

In a design and access statement, Miller Homes said a central zone within the northern parcel of land could be used to create "a linear park" running north to south.

Land behind this treeline in Stifford Clays could soon be developed for housing.

The plans include the creation of orchards.

The developer says: "The site includes two areas on the north western edge where development, for reasons of archaeology and ecology, are not appropriate.

"These spaces will however form key features on movement routes through these areas, and they therefore offer an opportunity to deliver a unique landscape experience.

"Development of community orchards would enhance biodiversity, create opportunities for foraging and community gardening and give a unique experience to pedestrians and cyclists passing through the space both as part of a circular experience and as part of the wider active travel network."

Last year, the developer submitted a request for a scoping opinion on the scheme with a report on the possible impacts of such a large development.

Pedestrian and cycle links will be created through both parcels of land. The scheme proposed new areas of informal public open space, including children's play areas and the potential for improved access to Nutberry Playing Fields. The 54-acre site includes fields and hedgerows which Mill;er Homes says will be protected.

In its application the company says: "To safeguard the site's long-term contribution to the character of the landscape the scheme will include a comprehensive green infrastructure plan indicating substantial areas of new planting that reflect the vernacular species of the wider landscape, as well as new hedgerows and trees.

"In addition, a management and maintenance plan will be put in place to ensure that new planting thrives and the existing retained vegetation is enhanced."