THURROCK Council has confirmed a battle to prevent 150 new homes being built on green belt land in Orsett will now go to the Planning Inspectorate for final determination after a public hearing.

Last December campaigning residents thought they had thwarted plans by a consortium of housebuilders called BDW Trading Ltd to create the controversial development in the hamlet of Baker Street on land adjacent to Chapel Farm and to the rear of High Road and Baker Street.

Their joy at what was perceived as an early Christmas present thanks to a 4-3 vote by councillors to reject the scheme was stifled when officers said the matter would have to be reconsidered as it was against their recommendation.

And the developers also gave notice that they might take legal action against individual councillors whom they said were acting improperly. Thurrock Nub News exclusively revealed details of pressure and threats brought to bear by the developers.

They wrote to the council after the original decision and the matter was discussed behind closed doors at a meeting in February.

So, all concerned reconvened at the council offices in March when the matter was debated again.

However, councillors stood their ground and the matter was once again rejected. Minutes of the meeting can be read here.

BDW Trading Ltd then made good on their threat to go to appeal and a public inquiry has now been set up and will take place next month. It is expected to last for up to six days.

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The hearing will be held at The Old Courthouse, Orsett Road, Grays, RM17 5DD, starting on Tuesday, 6 October.