PLANS for almost 50 homes on a Wickford industrial estate look set to be rejected, yet there are fears the development could eventually be pushed through.

Developer Panter Trading wants to build 22 two-bedroom and 27 three-bedroom homes on the site of eight industrial units at the Shotgate Trading Estate, in Bruce Grove.

However, Basildon Council’s planning officers have recommended the proposal is rejected by the development control committee next week.

Campaigners, who fear Wickford is becoming overdeveloped, are delighted.

But they were also cautious after a recent application to build 78 flats in Golden Jubilee Way, which was turned down by the council, was allowed on appeal by the Government’s planning inspectorate.

David Harrison, vice-chairman of the Wickford Action Group, welcomed the council’s latest decision.

He said: “It was in the wrong place. It’s in the middle of an industrial estate, which clearly Basildon Council has earmarked as an employment area, plus a lot of residents were concerned about the extra traffic.”