THURROCK Council planning councillors have refused permission for the building of seven two bedroom bungalows on a former garden nursery in Orsett.

The site previously constituted part of Sandown Nurseries which was comprised of numerous greenhouses that covered the full extent of them site.

Outline planning permission for seven dwellings was granted in 2010 and again in 2014 but it was not built out. Other homes have gone up around the site.

In their submission to the council, applicants Dosanjh Capital Ventures say: "At present the site is serving no real purpose and is unkempt and unattractive, and has the potential to become a site liable to anti-social behaviour, with a particular concern that over time the site will inevitably be used for fly-tipping.

"The erection of seven dwellings on this site is considered a logical addition and will ensure it is put to better use and is secure and well-maintained."

Planning officers opposed the application, saying it represented inappropriate development in the green belt and would have an unacceptable effect on its openness. They also raised concerns about parking and access issues.

And that view was echoed by councillors at their most recent meeting.