PLANS for a 14-home development have been validated that could see a beloved plant nursery destroyed.

The proposed works will see new homes built on land adjacent to 43 Shoebury Road in Great Wakering as plans were validated on September 26 by Rochford District Council.

Plant and tree nursery Mediterranean Plants and Trees currently occupies the land and has done so for at least 15 years.

The site is owned by Friend’s Farm, a fruit and vegetable grower company.

Joanne McPherson, Rochford Councillor for Foulness and the Wakerings, said she will represent the best interests of her residents whilst remaining fair.

She said: “I am here to represent the views of my residents but we also have to look at planning laws to see if this sort of development can be opposed.

“We also need to look at how developments like these can be opposed if that’s the wish of our residents.

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“We can’t just say we don’t like the development, we have to be structured and have reasons behind it.”

The 14 homes include four with four to six bedrooms, seven three-bedroom homes and three two-bedroom homes.

Developers Auburn Group Limited have presented plans that also include knocking down three major greenhouse used by Mediterranean Plants and Trees as well as other developments on the site.

Mediterranean Plants and Trees stock olive, palm and citrus trees and more flora.

Ms McPherson added: “The potential loss of any local business that has been well supported over the years is not something anyone would like to see.

“Our local area could lose a thriving business and that is of concern.”

Proposed plans also include a priority road junction on Shoebury Road for vehicles to access the site.

Ms McPherson said: “I believe that would have to go through Essex Highways as they are the main consultee for any road infrastructure.

“Historically I haven’t ever been satisfied with some of the results highways come back with so I will look at this in more detail.”

A decision date for the application has not yet been confirmed.