PLANS to build 173 homes in Thundersley have been thrown out by Castle Point Council, but residents are braced for another appeal to be launched with the Government planning inspectorate.

Almost 700 residents submitted objections to the plans on green belt land at Brooks Farm, off Daws Heath Road, and councillors unanimously rejected the application by developer Countryside Partnerships on Tuesday night.

Despite welcoming the decision, residents fear the application will be next in a long line of applications taken to appeal because of Castle Point Council’s lack of a local plan.

This includes plans for 58 homes on land next to Daws Heath and proposals for 455 homes in Daws Heath which are both set to be heard at appeal in coming months.

Tim Copsey, a Daws Heath resident who has been campaigning against the development, said: “I am very pleased with the refusal of the planning application for the 173 homes on Brooks Farm green belt land.

“I would like to thank the 695 residents who sent in objections. As well as the officers for preparing a very comprehensive report with a recommendation for refusal and the councillor who stood up for the green belt.

“It is wonderful to see a just outcome.

“From the developer’s perspective it is a setback. But times have changed, and the council keeps fighting every battle to protect the green belt.

“I expect the developers will appeal, but the community will keep fighting to protect the area.”

The main concerns raised by councillors and the reasons around the refusal was focused on the harm to the green belt.

The council currently has no local plan in place, and residents fear developers are targeting the area because they are confident they will get the green light at appeal with the Government’s planning inspectorate.

However Castle Point Council has repeatedly insisted a new local plan is “on track” and will “guarantee” fewer houses are built in the borough.

Plans proposed included 173 homes alongside an area of public open space, a sustainable drainage system, community orchard, and an equipped children’s play area.

The homes were split into 12 one-bedroom flats, six two-bedroom flats, 34 two-bedroom homes, 73 three-bedroom homes, 33 four-bedroom homes, and 15 five-bedroom homes.