THREE new four-bedroom homes can now be built in Corringham after a government planning inspector ruled the land should be treated as grey belt rather than green belt.

The scheme, proposed for land adjacent to Roseheath on Southend Road near to the Five Bells A13 junction, was approved by the Planning Inspectorate following an appeal lodged after Thurrock Council rejected the plans in October 2024.

The development will include three detached two-storey homes, each with private amenity space, off-street parking and improved highway access.

In its decision, the Inspectorate said the land met the national definition of grey belt, meaning previously developed or lower-quality land within or on the edge of green belt areas. Because of this classification, the inspector found the scheme complied with the National Planning Policy Framework, which encourages the use of grey belt sites before releasing other green belt land.

The inspector noted the appeal site is a small parcel positioned between two existing properties, with further buildings behind it and development on the opposite side of Southend Road.

As a result, the three-home scheme would be "contained relative to the broader open setting" and would not undermine the wider green belt's role in safeguarding the countryside from encroachment.

In conclusion, the inspector noted: "The proposal would accord with the development plan as a whole, and there are no material considerations that indicate a decision should be made other than in accordance with it. Therefore, I conclude that the appeal should be allowed and planning permission be granted."

The council had previously refused a revised application for three homes, following an earlier bid for four dwellings in 2020.

In its 2024 decision, Thurrock Council argued the land was in the green belt and the scheme would amount to inappropriate development, causing loss of openness and failing to demonstrate the "very special circumstances" required to outweigh that harm.

Concerns were also raised about the impact on neighbouring property Roseheath, including loss of light and an overbearing presence, along with highway safety issues linked to access onto the B1420.

The inspector's ruling overrides those objections, allowing the new homes to proceed subject to a schedule of conditions.