DESPITE widespread opposition from residents and ward councillors, Thurrock Council planning officers are recommending approval for a controversial housing scheme in Grays.

As reported exclusively on Thurrock Nub News earlier this month (click on red button below) an application has been submitted to build eight two bedroom semi-detached homes on land adjacent to Curling Lane, Helleborine and Meesons Lane in Grays.

The scheme has been widely condemned, not least by wildlife campaigners who say the site of the development is currently home to badgers.

And residents nearby have failed to be impressed by the applicants' plans, with one describing the scheme as "frankly insane and is clearly of the 'make a fast buck and scarper' genre."

A petition signed by 217 residents objecting to the proposal has been submitted to the council and the three ward councillors have objected.

More than 70 individual letters of objection have been received opposing it.

Among the reasons for the opposition are:

- Additional Traffic

- Loss of Amenity

- Out of Character

- Structural concerns relating to Meesons Lane

Nevertheless planning officers say the scheme gets their approval and they have ruled out the legitimacy of objects relating to design by saying: "The proposals make an efficient use of land and the plans submitted show that the number of units can be accommodated on the site in an acceptable form.

"While it is recognised that the design of the properties would be different from the established properties in the immediate location, this is not considered to warrant a recommendation of refusal."

And officers dismiss landscape and ecology concerns by saying: "The site does not form part of any area designated for nature conservation interest on either a statutory or non-statutory basis. An ecological survey has been provided which concludes that the site is generally of low ecological value.

"A follow up survey has found no evidence of badgers using the site.

"The Council's Landscape and Ecology Advisor agrees with the findings of the ecological surveys and has also found no evidence of current use by badgers.

"The Landscape and Ecology Advisor also agrees with the ecological surveys submitted that the existing trees do not contain features that would make them suitable for roosting bats. Features such as bird and bat boxes should be integrated into the new buildings and an appropriate condition has been included.

"The Council is satisfied that the development would not adversely affect any protected species."

Officers have also dismissed any concern about the developers' contribution to the local community needs, declaring they do not need to make any contribution to education.

The proposal will come up for consideration at the next meeting of the council's planning committee on Thursday, 9 January.