PLANS have emerged to demolish a former nursery on green belt land and build a £1.2million housing estate.

Castle Point Council officers have recommended to give developer SJT Development Limited the go-ahead for the project at the site of Chase Nurseries, The Chase, Thundersley.

Yet the site is allocated for Green Belt purposes in the council’s adopted Local Plan, which aims to create almost 4,000 homes over the next 15 years.

These proposals are for 19 homes - three three bedroom homes, 12 four bedroom homes and four five bedroom homes.

The council officers report states: “A number of factors have been identified which the applicant believes justifies the proposed

development.”

The report stated that despite the fact the council has identified the land as green belt, previous agreed plans for 11 homes on the site, and a need for housing in the area, outweighed this protection.

The council officer’s report stated that residents have raised a number of other objections, including concerns over noise and disturbance, overdevelopment of the site - and the impact on wildlife.

There were 23 residents who have opposed the plans.

A design and access statement in the plans states: “This document shows that this site is located close to bus routes, and amenities. The site has been previously developed and development has surrounded this portion of the green belt over the years.

“This site has no high quality trees but it can be developed while leaving most of the trees and hedges intact, thus preserving biodiversity and green infrastructure. And eleven large house houses can be provided, contributing to need.”

John Cox, 33, of Kiln Road, Thundersley said: “I know there’s a lot of concern about these plans and I am a bit surprised that the council wants to agree it.

“I would like to see a community centre built there.”

Castle Point Council’s planning committee is expected to agree the plans at a meeting tomorrow.