A NEW application has been submitted in a bid to bring a historic smithy back to life as a new home.

A previous application, for the property in Bulphan, was rejected in June by Thurrock Council's planning committee, which decreed it was harmful to the green belt.

An application first submitted for Wick Place Cottage on Brentwood Road in 2020 was withdrawn, amended and resubmitted after consultation, only to be rejected.

The councillors' decision was contrary to the views of many local residents, who welcomed it.

At that time the applicants were able to say: "The Smithy proposal has received very positive support from village locals" and already there is local support for the new plan, with local community stalwart Janet McCheyne commenting publicly: "A modest and welcome application to restore a heritage building and reuse as a residential home. A much reduced footprint compared to the current structures on the site."

In the new proposal the applicants have removed an additional dwelling and say that just renovating the Smith is acceptable within green belt legislation.