A MINI village of almost 200 homes will be built on a swathe of green belt land in Billericay after Basildon councillors gave the green light to plans.

Controversial proposals by developer Gleeson Land were approved by the planning inspectorate back in 2022 after being thrown out for the council.

Now, housing developer Hill has been given the go-ahead to build 179 homes on the land in Kennel Lane, close to the junction with Noak Hill Road, in Billericay.

At a meeting on Wednesday, Basildon Councillors agreed the reserved matters plans after admitting their was little purpose in fighting the plans after the planning developer’s decision to grant outlining planning permission Approving the larger plans for 200 homes in 2022, the planning inspectorate highlighted the council’s “enormous shortfall in delivery of homes over the next five-year period”.

Despite the developer promising to build much-needed “high-quality homes” as well maintaining large amounts of green space, major concerns were raised over the impact of the homes when plans were submitted in May this year.

Speaking at the meeting, councillor Kevin Blake welcomed the size of the development being reduced but raised concerns around the infrastructure in the area.

He said: “I think it is good it has come down by 21 dwellings, I do support that. However, and I know I may be shot down for this, Highways should be here and the county should be attending this meeting. I still have issues, I can’t live with myself knowing what the nearby roundabout is like at the best of times.

“You have to queue from Little Burstead now to turn down there, let alone what will happen with all the other dwellings.

“We know what is coming with attempted development on the green belt in Burstead, we can see what is coming and I wouldn’t feel comfortable with myself supporting an application like this.

“I don’t want to be responsible for someone being hurt on an extremely dangerous road which will become more dangerous with this development and what could possible come round the corner.”

The design and access statement promises 179 “high-quality homes”. Of the 179 new homes, 64 homes will be affordable with a mixture of intermediate and affordable rents accompanied with the creation of a 2.5-acre open space.