PLANNERS have agreed 'in principle' to a new development of eight homes in Stanford-le-Hope but have recommended refusal because of the impact it would have on some neighbouring properties and parking concerns.

At their next meeting on Thursday, 9 January, councillors on Thurrock Council's planning committee will hear details of the proposed scheme to develop the rear garden area at the bungalow 'Windy Ridge' at 251 Branksome Avenue and construct eight semi-detached dwellings there.

The dwellings would comprise three three bedroom and five four bedroom properties. Access to the new homes would be via Aldria Road and Struan Avenue.

The application has been called before the committee by councillors James Halden, Fraser Massey and chair of planning Tom Kelly - and there have been three objections from neighbours concerned about traffic, other access issues and parking.

Having considered the matter, planning officers say they cannot support the application because of the impact some of the new homes would have on neighbouring properties, which they described as being overshadowed.

They also share some concerns about parking - though the council's highways department has raised no objections.

Offiers sum up their reasons for recommending refusal by saying: "The development is acceptable in principle however the proposal would result in a particularly reduced rear garden depth for Windy Ridge and the siting of Plot 1 would result in an overbearing impact detrimental to the amenities of the occupiers of Windy Ridge.

"The siting, layout, mass, height and scale of Plots 1 to 4 would also appear highly prominent from Aldria Road and appear out of character and incongruous to the immediate locality and street scene.

"There are further concerns regarding the provision of cycle storage and refuse storage and access which would amount to the over development of the site and the proposal would provide an inadequate number and access to off street parking for the development and would be likely to result in further on street parking on the highway to the detriment of highway safety."