THURROCK Council has approved plans for 69 new homes on green belt land in South Ockendon.

Woolsington One Ltd and Woody's Developments Ltd sought full planning permission for the homes land adjacent to Echo Farm in South Ockendon.

Plans include 35 affordable units and 128 parking spaces. There will also be a £567,844 education contribution via a Section 106 agreement.

The developer will also deliver associated roads, landscaping, public open space and parking on the site, located east of South Road.

At a planning committee meeting on Wednesday, councillors welcomed the scheme and accepted the land could be reasonably described as grey belt — areas within the green belt that are previously developed or do not strongly serve green belt purposes.

Speaking at the meeting, Roy Jones, Independent councillor for Stanford East and Corringham Town, said: "I like the idea of the full application, then you're going to see what you're going to get.

"It's near amenities, bus services. It's sitting on green belt, but grey belt in respect that isn't growing crops. It is doing nothing at the moment and is sitting next door to industrial area. I think the layout has been well thought out and the design all looks good."

Cathy Sisterson, Labour councillor for Aveley and Uplands, added: "It looks nice. I like the way that lots of the trees are being retained. It's close to the bus services and trains.

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"Neighbours commented they were worried about the entrance being. too close to the houses opposite, which are apparently directly on to the pavement, so that there is a bit of a concern, but on the on the whole, I like the design."

A report to councillors stated that the benefits of the scheme "clearly and convincingly outweigh the limited harm identified", citing the delivery of affordable housing, economic gains and environmental enhancements. Planning officers had recommended approval of the scheme subject to the Section 106 agreement.