187-home outline development at Prince Charles Avenue, Orsett

“- It will make a significant contribution towards the supply of housing in the Borough - It will make a significant contribution towards the supply of affordable housing - The development will create jobs and support employment growth in the Borough - It will increase the available spend in the locality - It will provide contributions towards the need for additional infrastructure - It is forecast to provide in excess of 10% Biodiversity Net Gain…”

“PROPOSAL: Outline application (with all matters reserved except for vehicular access off Rectory Road) for residential-led development of up to 187 dwellings (Use Class C3), including affordable housing and self-build plots, public open space, landscaping, attenuation and infrastructure works, and an extension of the Orsett Recreation Ground (Use Class F2(c)) and associated infrastructure…”

“The proposed means of access involves the creation of a T junction to the north of the existing access to Orsett Showground. A more detailed description of the traffic proposals is provided in the relevant section.”

“The layout as submitted shows the internal roadway passing south of an area of proposed housing before turning north and entering the other fields to the north. South of the roadway the area is shown as landscaping with Local Area of Play (LAP) and Sustainable Urban Drainage (SuDS) attenuation areas. The roadway crosses the alignment of Public Right of Way (PROW) PROW 104. North of this field parcel, the land is primarily given over to residential development.”

“Reference Proposal Decision 66/00855/FUL Residential development Rectory Road Refused 75/01133/FUL Sports Field - Rugby Pitches. Refused 76/00479/FUL Sports Field and Rugby Pitches (13 acres) Refused…”

“- The proposal constituted inappropriate development within the Green Belt and was by definition harmful, in conflict with the some of the five purposes of the Green Belt as set out in the NPPF and would impact upon the openness of the Green Belt. - It was the Council’s view that VSCs did not exist that would outweigh the Green Belt harm.”

“Members stated that they were not convinced that the application was Grey Belt adding that they were previously advised that Grey Belt had definite boundaries adding, which did not seem apparent. Members acknowledged that the location has some competition for development including the Lower Thames Crossing which will occupy a third of the Green Belt in Thurrock.”

“The recommendation was not proposed by any members therefore failed.”

“Members proceeded to vote for the alternative recommendation.”

“Alternative Recommendation Reject on the following grounds; A) The proposal, by virtue of its scale and location, would erode the countryside edge and village setting, resulting in harm to the character and appearance of the area.”

“B) The proposed development, by reason of its location on the eastern edge of Orsett, would introduce an overly urban form of development, causing less than substantial harm to the significance and setting of the Orsett Conservation Area.”