AN application to build two homes in Thurrock has been allowed on appeal after changes to rules on building on green belt.

Thurrock Council rejected a plan to build a pair of semi-detached homes on land on the west side of Annabell Avenue, Orsett, last year.

The council said the three-bedroom homes would be "inappropriate development on green belt" and by definition "harmful".

Planning officers said: "The proposal would also cause a reduction in the openness. The identified harm to the green belt is not clearly outweighed by other considerations."

Residents also objected to the development.

Abi Ope-Ewe of Annabell Avenue said previous construction in the area had been problematic adding: "The street was not structured to accommodate many houses. At a fall of rain the road is often flooded. It is difficult for cars to park on either side of the road at the same time."

Sarah Davis, also of Annabell Avenue, said: "We bought this house in February 2024 and have had continuous problems regarding the sewerage issues on this road.

"Our property has been built on the same land that the new dwellings will be due, and will therefore back up the sewers even more. It is an old system on this road and was suitable for the one property using it."

Nevertheless, the planning inspectorate said rules on green belt had changed since the refusal. They said: "The Inspectorate asked the council for its views as to whether it would assess the site as grey belt alongside the current National Planning Policy Framework. The council provided its assessment stating that the site would now be considered as grey belt and would not fundamentally undermine the purposes of the remaining green belt location.

"Additionally, there is a lack of five year housing supply and the site is in a sustainable location. The Inspector agreed with this assessment and concluded the development would not be inappropriate development within the green belt."