Basildon green belt could be transformed into three plots

The land next to Burnt Mills Road, in Basildon, has had plans submitted for the trio of plots, with associated access, infrastructure and other works.

The plans have been identified by Basildon Council as a “major departure from the local plan”.

This is because the council believes it has the ability to “affect the setting” of nearby listed buildings.

A public notice issued by the council said: “The application has the potential, in the opinion of the authority, to affect the setting of the Grade II listed Bradfield’s Farmhouse including curtilage listed buildings, Burnt Mills Road, Tiffayne’s Farmhouse, Burnt Mills Road, Cottage at Junction with Burnt Mills Road and Horseshoe Cottage, Harrow Road and the Grade II* listed Church of All Saints, North Benfleet Hall Road.”

In the planning statement produced on behalf of applicants St Modwen, it said: “The current proposals seek full planning permission for three travelling show people plots.

“Each travelling show person plot will accommodate a travelling show person family and will comprise an area of hardstanding to accommodate vehicles, equipment and caravans, as well as a modest amenity building which will provide living and kitchen facilities but not bedrooms.”

Two separate planning applications are currently being prepared by St Modwen for repairs and improvements to the Grade II listed Church of all Saints, in connection with the plots plan.

The report added: “We have identified significant benefits associated with the proposals, including the meeting the need for the plots and green infrastructure benefits, along with the wider site benefits, which we consider clearly outweigh the harms identified,” the developer said.

“Consequently, we conclude that very special circumstances have been demonstrated to justify the proposals, which comply with relevant policy.”

Any representations relating to the application should be made in writing and must reach the council no later than July 7.