A DEVELOPER is set to clear the final hurdle before beginning construction on a controversial 269 home development in green belt.

The mini-village of new homes off Dunton Road, Dunton, faced opposition from residents and Basildon Council before being approved by the planning inspectorate last November after an appeal. 

Now, Basildon Council is set to sign off on plans for the finer details of the homes, including increasing the number of affordable homes to 40 per cent, at a meeting next Wednesday. 

Once agreed, developer Bloor Homes is clear to start construction on the green belt land south of Dunton Road. 

Chair of the South West Essex Green Party, Eugene McCarthy, believes the plans remain a problem for the area.

Controversial - The development faced a lengthy appeals process last year Controversial - The development faced a lengthy appeals process last year (Image: Bloor Homes)

 

He said: “There are a few things we want to highlight about these plans - the first thing is that it is green belt land and everyone knows the benefit of the green belt, it is a common theme here and beyond.

“Secondly, I am young and I cannot afford to live in Basildon even though I work full time, we have a housing shortage and it is quite ridiculous that councils of all colours haven’t seen the extent to which we need real change.

“Whether it is suburban or luxury housing, no one can afford it, what we need is small apartments and genuinely affordable homes but instead these luxury developments are proposed.”

Councillors threw the plans out in June 2023 despite being advised to give them the green light by council officers following concerns about traffic, public services and a loss of open space.

Bloor Homes lodged an appeal and a week-long appeal hearing in November 2023 saw the government planning inspectorate reject the council’s concerns – noting that the plans would only result in moderate harm to the green belt and deliver “new public transport”.

“A big part of the housing squeeze is people being priced out of London,” Mr McCarthy added, noting that property must be built that backs up demand from this market to relieve pressure for family homes.

“This is going to cost the taxpayer more,” he added.

Bloor has agreed to contribute £133,300 towards NHS healthcare, £1,042,000 towards bus services, and £448,761 towards open space, culture, and play improvements.