The final phase of a 440-home development off the A127 is set to be given the green light.

Detailed plans for 163 more homes at Dunton Fields, a development on land to the east of Ford’s Dunton Technical Centre, in Laindon, are likely to be approved by councillors tonight.

Basildon Council’s planning committee was due to vote on the application after a report by council officers recommended approval.

Phil Rackley, leader of the Independent Labour group, believes there should be more homes in the development for people who are not so well off.

Bellway Homes is being asked to pay £734,392 to Basildon Council to build council houses elsewhere, equivalent to about 25 per cent of the development.

Mr Rackley, councillor for St Martin’s ward, said: “I was opposed to the development in the first place, but now building has started, I believe the real need in Basildon is for more than the 25 per cent recommendation.

“It is a move in the right direction, but in my view it doesn’t go far enough.

“I think we should be looking at a higher proportion of affordable housing and socially rented housing.

“You have got other developments going ahead in the borough and controversy over the Dunton Garden Suburb, which is at the consultation stage.”

Bellway Homes will also have to pay £319,460 for school places and £102,664 for childcare places if the application is approved.