Government rules out 750 homes on green belt

A plan for 750 homes on green belt land will not go ahead after the government agreed it could cause significant harm to the area.

In July 2024, Thurrock Council refused the application for the homes, shops and a medical centre in Orsett, near Grays in Essex.

A public inquiry was held last summer and on Wednesday, Housing Minister Sharon Taylor upheld the council's decision.

Thurrock Council must build approximately 1,200 homes a year to meet government targets.

In his report, planning inspector Owen Woodwards said the development would cause "substantial harm" to the visual and spatial openness at Kings Farm on Parkers Farm Road.

He continued: "The appeal site is poorly served by public transport, only very few facilities are or would be accessible by foot or bicycle, and future occupants would likely rely mostly on the car for all future journeys."

Grasslands Ltd put forward the original application and made the subsequent appeal.

Woodwards said he recognised the benefit of the affordable housing and economic boost that the development would provide.

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