PLANS have been submitted for five new homes to be built on the existing site of a large, empty council house in Chadwell St Mary.

The site, at 13 Loewen Road, was one of those suggested in what became a contested and controversial listing of potential development sites when it was launched earlier this year.

However, the Loewen Road development was among the least contentious and, after a consultations with residents that attracted just six comments, the only slight concerns appear to be highway issues.

But in their submission to the planning department, the architects acting on behalf of the council say: "From the few comments received, it appears that both people in favour and not in favour of the proposals share reservations about parking/increase of cars on the road (except 1 respondent who had no reservations).

"The transport statement submitted with the application demonstrates that the proposed development would have a minimal impact in traffic and highway safety terms.

"The parking proposed is in accordance with the council's guidance in terms of sustainable travel. At the Loewen Road and Heath Road junction, visibility is not an issue.

"We therefore think that the proposals address the local residents' concerns regarding traffic and parking."

Though the application to the planning team, which is submitted at the request of Thurrock Regeneration Limited – the council's arms-length management company which has been at the centre of recent controversy itself – states that homes will be 'affordable' which generally means they will be sold at a less than market value or through a shared-equity scheme, the application does specify the new, three bedroom homes will be 100 per cent council housing.

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The full design and access statement for the development can be found via this [L] https://regs.thurrock.gov.uk/online-applications/applicationDetails.do?activeTab=documents&keyVal=QLBYPBQGI4E00 [L+] link, which also affords a further opportunity for people to comment.