CONTROVERSIAL plans for more than 50 homes on green belt land in Thundersley are set to be thrown out – sparking celebrations from residents who submitted 406 objections.

Furious residents have been protesting against plans for 58 homes on land next to Daws Heath Road since they were submitted last February.

Now, Castle Point councillors will meet next week and have been recommended to refuse the plans following hundreds of objections.

Residents have lodged objections highlighting fears around the impact on infrastructure and services being overburdened, adding that it would leave to a “reduced quality of life for residents”.

Castle Point councillor Warren Gibson said: “As well as being a councillor for Victoria ward in Castle Point, I am also a long-standing resident. Over the years I have seen the borough lose acres of green space to housing estates.

“One of my main motivations to stand for election was to do my best to try and protect our precious green belt.”

Mr Gibson added that “the hundreds of residents that have given their opposition to this application are absolutely right,” and he stands with them in opposition to building on the green belt.

“There has to be some homes built in Castle Point, but smaller numbers for local need and on brownfield locations,” Mr Gibson said.

Residents also objected over fears about the damage to established wildlife and ancient woodland, which they claim would be impacted by the proposals.

Castle Point resident Tim Copsey said: “This application to build a housing estate on the precious green belt is totally inappropriate. This land is a beautiful green space which horses and wildlife inhabit.

“We desperately need to protect our dwindling amount of green spaces in overcrowded Castle Point.”

Mr Copsey added that “the community are right to oppose this in their hundreds. I understand people need to have homes, but they don’t need to all be squashed into South Essex. Green belt must be protected.”