PLANS for backland development on the long rear gardens of houses in Trinity Road, Rayleigh, have been refused under delegated powers by Rochford District Council planning officers.

Head of planning Shaun Scrutton said Rayleigh Town Council was against the scheme and there had been 28 letters of objection from nearby residents.

He added the principle of development on the site was acceptable under government guidelines.

However, there were concerns about the size of the four planned houses and their position in relation to nearby homes.

Residents were also worried about the access to the development from Picton Close. A number of trees would be lost, some of them already placed under a tree preservation order.

Unless any councillors ask for the scheme to be considered by the development control committee, then the application will be refused.