FEARS that badgers living on a site in Thurrrock targeted for a housing development have been dispelled and it seems likely that the scheme will win planning approval when it comes before officers next week.

There has been widespread opposition to the scheme for eight two bedroom semi-detached dwellings on land adjacent to Curling Lane, Helleborine and Meesons Lane in Grays and the best card in the objectors' hands was that badgers still lived on the site - in an area of Grays, Badgers Dene, named after them.

However, at next week's meeting of Thurrock Council's planning committee members will be told there are no badgers.

The matter was due to come before last month's committee but was deferred after wildlife experts contested the badgers were still there (https://thurrock.nub.news/n/badger-mystery-prompts-delay-in-debate-on-controversial-homes-plan), but Thurrock Council planning officers have reported that is not the case.

Councillors will be told: "On 27 January council officers met with the applicant and representatives from the Essex Badger Protection Group to discuss the matter.

"The meeting included a joint site visit whereby evidence of badger activity on the site was investigated by both the Council's Ecology Advisor, the applicant's Ecology Consultant and the Essex Badger Protection Group. It was confirmed by all present that there was no

evidence of badgers living anywhere on the application site.

"This position reflects the findings of both the Council's Ecology Advisor and those of the applicant in the previous surveys carried out in 2018.

"The Essex Badger Protection Group advised that it had no objections to the proposal in relation to badgers, subject to appropriate conditions attached to any subsequent planning approval."

Officers have restated their recommendation to approve the scheme and it now seems likely, unless they can be swayed by other objections from residents and ward councillors, that the planning committee will approve it.

See a previous story via the red button below.