PLANS to build dozens of homes on green belt land in Benfleet have been unanimously rejected after 168 objections were received from residents.

Castle Point Council rejected Foxberry Developments’ plans to build 47 homes on land next to Chase Mews on Tuesday, despite the plans being recommended for approval by officers.

During the meeting, councillors agreed with residents concerns over a loss of open space, lack of infrastructure to support the development, and the loss of wildlife habitat and agricultural land.

However, the council’s lack of local plan - a document that sets out a vision for future development - and the fact the plans were recommended for approval could see the scheme approved if an appeal is lodged with the planning inspectorate.

Speaking at the meeting, People’s Independent Party councillor, Allan Edwards, made the case that the green belt must be preserved, and that Castle Point lacks the infrastructure to support an influx of residents.

He said: “There is significant opposition from local residents to this application with 168 objections raised.

“The land is without dispute, situated in green belt and if residential housing is permitted it constitutes inappropriate development, this is a very strong reason to reject this application.

“If this development is permitted, this absolutely a loss of open space and harm to the residential visual amenity and while acknowledging there has been a loss of a lot of green belt surrounding this land, it only makes this land more special.”

He added that “we don’t have the capacity in GP surgeries to accommodate new residents and just dropping money into the NHS doesn’t miracle up qualified doctors, contributions don’t solve the problem to the lack of healthcare provision in the area.”

He concluded by urging that councillors “protect the green belt as enshrined in law.”

Recent plans for the green belt in Castle Point have included 173 homes at Brooks Farm in Daws Heath, 49 homes on green belt on Felstead Road, Benfleet and proposals for 455-homes in Daws Heath.

The borough’s local plan, initially drawn up by the Tory administration, was withdrawn when independent parties took control of the council in May 2022 after they raised major concerns about green belt land being included in proposed sites.