A MYSTERY developer is testing the water to try to build almost 90 new homes on scrubland in Thundersley.

A scoping application has been submitted by planning consultant Phase 2 Planning and Development Limited on behalf of an unnamed developer for 88 homes on land between Wensley Road and Kiln Road, Thundersley.

Scoping applications are put in by developers to local authorities to test whether a full planning application is likely to be successful and whether environmental studies, to determine any possible effects on the local area, need to be carried out.

The eight-acre site is immediately adjacent to a 150-home development currently under construction by developer David Wilson Homes.

In a document submitted as part of the application, it states: “The site is part of a larger undeveloped area of land allocated for residential use within the Local Plan.

“It is considered the proposed development would not involve a major development of more than local importance. It is proposed a full planning application will be submitted and supported by a comprehensive set of technical reports.”

The neighbouring David Wilson Homes development was approved in 2012, despite opposition from local residents, just one year after similar proposals by its sister company, Barratt Homes, were thrown out.

Worried residents expressed fears at the time that the new housing estate could pave the way for further development on the adjoining land.

Geoff Robinson, 58, of Hackamore, Thundersley, which is on the site’s eastern boundary, said: “I cannot say I am really surprised to be honest. I always had a fear this would happen. There are far too many homes looking to be built there – it’s ridiculous.”

The former green belt site was earmarked for redevelopment by Castle Point Council in 1998 and is incorporated in its current five-year housing strategy to provide homes in the borough.

Questions have been raised over whether the application was submitted on behalf of Jetbury Investments, which was previously given the go-ahead for about 300 homes at the site in 2008.

But those plans ground to a halt pending the outcome of environmental impact surveys to determine the impact on wildlife.

Peter Burch, Conservative councillor for Cedar Hall ward, said: “I know Jetbury made an application a number of years ago and it was granted subject to the condition environmental studies were carried out, but as far as I’m aware, they were never progressed and laid dormant.

“We always suspected Jetbury would come back with another application. But, no matter who submitted the application, it will depend on what the final proposals look like.”

The Echo contacted Phase 2 Planning and Development Limited for further details, but did not receive a response.