CAMPAIGNERS have claimed victory as controversial plans for 58 homes on green belt land were thrown out at appeal after being branded an attempted “land grab” by an MP.

Hundreds of residents submitted objections to developer Rainier Developments' plan for land off Daws Heath Road, Thundersley, and the Government’s planning inspectorate rejected the bin on Tuesday after an appeal hearing.

Castle Point Council had previously thrown out the plans last year after major concerns about the loss of open space and impact in infrastructure in the area.

Tory MP Rebecca Harris has welcomed the decision, accusing the developer of attempting a “land grab” to capitalise on the council’s lack of a local plan.

She said: “I am very pleased the Planning Inspector has dismissed the appeal from developers to build 58 homes on green belt on the Ragwood Stables Fields on Daws Heath Road.

“The inspector determined that the harm caused by the development would not outweigh the harm to the green belt.

“This was an attempt at a land grab from developers to take advantage of the fact the council don’t have a local plan in place, and I am pleased it was seen as such. Thank you to all the hundreds of residents who wrote in objecting to this planning application and well done to the residents and councillors who came and spoke at its defence in the hearing.

“The developers will keep coming however and it is important that the council have the confidence to use the lower housing needs assessment they completed late last year to ensure they are as well armed as possible to fight off further appeals.”

The planning inspectorate ruled there is no “special circumstances” that would justify the homes being built on green belt and raised concerns the development would represent urban sprawl. The homes would also impact the nearby Ragwood Riding Centre which uses the land for horses to graze and be kept.

Warren Gibson, deputy leader of Castle Point Council, said: “Our officers worked hard to prepare for this appeal and were able to robustly defend it. We welcome the decision made by the Planning Inspector and thank them for their thorough work assessing the harm the proposed development would have had on our green belt.”