CAMPAIGNERS against the development of eight new house in Grays say they have renewed hope of getting the plan blocked.

Thurrock Council's planning committee were due to make a decision on the scheme on land close to Meesons Lane in Grays, but the application was deferred at last Thursday's meeting after the Badger Protection Group came forward with evidence that badgers were on the site.

Council officers has previously discarded consideration of badgers, a protected species, in recommending planning councillors support the scheme.

One of the leading campaigners against the application, Corin Barton, says: "Basically, Thurrock Council have accepted reports suggesting there are no badgers on the site and have ignored evidence from the experts from the Badger Protection Group.

"There will now be discussions between the developers and the group. So, there is still hope of saving the badgers.

"The application will come back to Committee, maybe as early as February.

"In the meantime, the report submitted for approval reveals some further significant issues.

"The gardens of six out of eight of the proposed units are below the minimum size of private amenity space required by Council policy.

"The report says that this is not sufficient to justify refusal. However, it is clear from the illustrations provided that the 'gardens' are in fact just steps up the quarry banking.

"These terraces are completely inaccessible for disabled occupants, but are proposed to deal with the risk of flooding caused by surface water running down the slopes.

"Residents have already objected to the surface water drainage proposals, which involve removing the natural drainage provided by the trees and undergrowth and then having to install a 15m underground infiltration storage tank to deal with the run off.

"Other issues include the size of the proposed garage spaces, which are also well below the minimum size required by Transport Officers.

"As residents have said, it is hard to imagine a less suitable site. The quarry banking was built to support the sides of the quarry and Meesons Lane above. The trees were planted to prevent subsidence and ensure adequate natural drainage.

"Local people point out the absurdity of removing the trees and concreting over the natural landscape, only to have to then put artificial drainage measures to prevent flooding.

"Residents of Meesons Lane have also expressed their concerns about the likelihood of the lane subsiding once the banking is excavated."