RESIDENTS in Grays have expressed surprise after finding out that a controversial planning application for three new homes in their neighbourhood has been given the green light without going before the authority's planning committee.

Over recent years there have been a number of attempts to build on land opposite 38 to 60 Prospect Place, but they have met with opposition from residents have been rejected.

However, residents have learned that a scheme for three homes on the site which was first submitted in January last year, was approved recently by officers without formal reference to councillors.

A number of local residents had given their detailed objections about the scheme, saying that among other concerns it was a blight on the local environment, would create significant parking problems and that during building there would be intolerable noise and dust nuisance.

There was just one comment in support of the plan - from a resident in Stanford-le-Hope who lives almost eight miles away!

One local resident says he cannot believe that the scheme - which was put forward on behalf of local businessman Mr Philip Barton-Wright, owner of Orsett Hall Hotel - was passed without going before councillors.

Asking not to be named, he nevertheless feels outraged and believes that the council has ridden roughshod over valid local concerns, saying: "Bids to build on this bit of land have been thrown out time and time again and whenever there has been any public debate, common sense has won the day.

"Now, for some unknown reason, the matter has been decided behind closed doors, with no debate or reasons given why this has happened. You have to ask questions and it doesn't seem right."