Plans to build 43 new homes on the outskirts of Wickford have been thrown out.

The proposals were for land to the west of Upper Park Road in the south of the town.

It would have seen 23 houses built alongside 20 apartments, while around a third of the homes would have been allocated as affordable housing.

The developer behind the scheme claimed it was making effective use of ‘pasture’ land and would have complemented the homes on nearby Cranfield Park Road.

They claimed relevant landowners were in favour of the proposals and would help ensure the development was built within five years.

But planning officers at Basildon Council have refused planning permission amid concerns the new homes were being built on the green belt around Wickford.

They said there was no evidence to show why the land should be lost to housing, adding: “the proposed development by reason of its indicative design would be out of character with and to the detriment of the appearance and openness of the locality.”

Officers also said there was no detail on how wildlife and habitats on the site would be protected from harm.