A VILLAGE is to get 116 new homes after plans were approved for a new housing estate on an old brickworks site.

Councillors in Rochford backed the proposal for new homes on the Star Lane site, in Great Wakering.

The plans were originally revealed in 2012, but were halted for talks with the developer, Inner London Group.

The new developer, Taylor Wimpey East London, has made changes to the scheme, which includes fewer alleyways between houses, and a row of houses will now face out onto Star Lane.

Rochford District Council’s planning committee approved the application, but councillors were concerned just ten per cent of the development would be low-cost housing, compared with the council’s target of 35 per cent.

They were also worried there was no contribution for for primary school education in the area.

June Mockford, Conservative councillor for Sweyne Park, said: “My concern is about social housing.

“We have our own target, so what is so special about this development that means they are getting away with below that?”

Barbara Wilkins, Conservative councillor for Foulness and Great Wakering, said there had been no discussions between Taylor Wimpey East London and ward councillors.

She also highlighted the lack of available space at nearby Great Wakering Primary School.

She said: “There is a marked improvement in this application from the Inner London Group’s submission.

“But I spoke to the primary school and they said there have been no discussions with the developer and they only have ten spaces available.”

Despite these concerns, the application was approved by 14 votes to five, with additional conditions of street lighting to be added along the length of Star Lane.

The development will provide 103 houses and 13 flats on the site, which is adjacent to sites allocated for a further 250 new homes by 2025 in Rochford District Council’s housing plans.

Taylor Wimpey has also requested to reduce the 60 mph speed limit along Star Lane to just 30 mph by the development, which will see a footpath along its border with the road.

A spokesman for Taylor Wimpey said: “We are delighted to have received planning consent for our new development at the old Star Lane Brickworks brownfield site in Great Wakering.

“We look forward to starting work on this regeneration project which will not only enhance the area but will also provide much needed housing to the community.”