A MAJOR housing development in Corringham, including up to 300 homes and a 70-bed care home, has been recommended for approval by Thurrock Council's planning officers.

The application, submitted by Telescope Property Group in June, seeks outline permission for the scheme on land adjacent to Lampits Hill and Mossbourne Fobbing Academy, Southend Road. The proposal, reduced from 320 homes following a design review, includes one to four-bedroom properties, with half of the homes designated as affordable under a Section 106 agreement.

The development would also feature public open spaces, biodiversity enhancements, and improved pedestrian and cycle links. A single access road is planned from Lampits Hill, with additional routes for walkers and cyclists connecting to Southend Road and Lampits Lane.

How some of the new homes would look.

The site, which spans 29 acres, lies within the Metropolitan Green Belt.

However, planning officers concluded the land meets the definition of "grey belt" under the updated National Planning Policy Framework.

This classification applies to areas that do not strongly contribute to green belt purposes, meaning the usual presumption against development does not apply.

Officers also cited "very special circumstances," including the significant provision of affordable housing and proximity to the London Gateway employment hub.

A community consultation earlier this year drew mixed responses.

A petition supporting the scheme attracted 920 signatures welcoming affordable housing, elderly accommodation, investments in infrastructure and community spaces.

Objectors raised concerns about school and healthcare capacity, traffic, flooding, loss of open space, and harm to wildlife. Other issues included fears over infrastructure strain and the impact on local character.

One neighbouring property owner said: "The positioning of new homes directly behind my rear boundary presents a serious intrusion into our privacy. Given the likely height and layout of these dwellings, they will overlook both our rear garden and the back-facing windows of our home.

"Additionally, the development will cause significant noise disturbance both during construction and afterwards from increased human and vehicular activity."

Despite these concerns, planning officers recommend approval subject to conditions and a Section 106 agreement securing affordable housing and other obligations. The final decision will rest with Thurrock's planning committee which will meet on Tuesday (9 December). A report to the meeting can be read via this link.

In addition to the telescope proposal, Thurrock Council is also currently considering an application for more than 400 homes on green belt land on the other side of Southend Road.

Also up for consideration at next week's planning meeting is a bid for a new estate in Orsett - also given the thumbs up by planning officers.