MORE details have been released about an application to create a new housing estate of 230 homes in Linford.

News of the scheme was first reported by Thurrock Nub News in March after the potential developers' initial approach to Thurrock Council about planning permission.

Last week local councillors and members of the village's forum were given a briefing on the scheme prior to a consultation process that will involve the whole village and Thurrock Council.

The scheme is of a relatively low density and will comprise entirely of affordable homes, two of the critieria usually welcomed in planning applications, but the site is on green belt and as such would have to prove there are very special circumstances allowing its build.

And already there is recorded opposition to the project which is on land behind the George and Drag9on pub.

Ward councillor Fraser Massey has gone on record saying that he will oppose the scheme, though he has recognised there are some merits in the way developers have laid out their plans and that in comparison with some proposals he has seen, it gains credit.

However, fundamentally, because of the location and impact in the community he says he will be recording his opposition. He says: "The road cannot cope, the crossing cannot cope, the schools, doctors etc. this is too much on our green belt."

And he says local residents will have a role to play in ensuring the site is rejected, adding: "Be ready to make comments when the official planning goes in, the power of doing this has stopped applications here in the past."

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Fellow councillor Sue Sammons echoes those comments and says: "It is up to residents to complete the consultation and let your views known and also when planning permission is applied for."