RESIDENTS are celebrating after a housing association withdrew applications to build on green open spaces on Canvey.

Swan Housing submitted five planning applications to Castle Point Council to build eight houses on patches of land on council estates.

However, residents and Canvey councillors complained bitterly about the proposals, saying it would leave children with nowhere to play and turn the estates into concrete jungles.

Following the outcry, Swan - which has been chosen to take over the borough's housing stock, if tenants approve the move in September - said it would withdraw the applications ahead of the vote.

The council later issued a statement saying discussions would now take place with residents over the future of the council-owned land, around Little Gypps Road and Maple Way.

John Synnuck, chief executive of Swan Housing Group, said: "These sites were identified for potential affordable housing by Swan, long before we were selected as a potential housing partner.

"However, we recognise it would be helpful to withdraw the planning applications."

Council leader Pam Challis said: "We held a cross-party meeting with Swan and agreed applications should not be considered before the process is complete.

"However, we accept there has been a genuine mistake, and think Swan has acted appropriately by withdrawing the plans."

Dave Blackwell, leader of Canvey Island Independent Party, said: "I am pleased, but we will be watching to see if this comes back in the future."