COUNCILLORS have given unanimous approval to 173 new homes to be built in the heart of South Ockendon.

The decision was made at this evening's (Thursday, 23 September) meeting of Thurrock Council's planning committee.

The plan is for a mix of one and two bedroom apartments and two and three bed houses on the site of the former Culver Centre and the Culver field.

The developers say 36 per cent would be affordable housing, with two thirds of those being available for social rent and the remainder being available for shared owner.

The plan put before councillors this evening is a scaled down version of previous applications.

Cllr Fletcher said: "The Culver site itself is a mess, it's attracting fly-tipping and it makes sense to put it to a better use.

"The Culver field is a different thing. It is described as a low grade area of open space which has concerned some residents. It is a popular and much used area.

"At the risk of being shot, to a degree I have to say that when you look at a target of 32,000 houses in the borough, some it is bound to be in South Ockendon.

"For my money, I like how this proposal is now, it's a good balance."

Both Cllr Fletcher and Cllr Georgette Polley called on the developers and council to ensure there was further community engagement as the development progresses.