Foxberry Developments have lodged an appeal with the Government’s planning inspectorate after hugely controversial plans for homes in Chase Mews were refused by Castle Point Council following 168 objections from residents.
It comes just days before an appeal hearing next week over rejected plans to build 173 homes in Daws Heath Road, Thundersley.
Benfleet resident and former Tory councillor Michael Dixon has slammed developers taking advantage of the council and fears that this may be “un-defendable” with the planning inspectorate’s track record of approving plans for areas without a local plan in place.
He said: “I think we are under siege and this is an example of that. When things like this happen it shows we lack a defence and I was disappointed when this was lodged.
“This will continue to happen and until we have a plan, appeals will keep coming.
“Surely developers understand that because of the number we have rejected and the number of unsuccessful appeals, we want hands off our green belt.
“It is the council’s reflex to do that and I do think it sends a message. My frustration is that I feel the reason this went to appeal is we didn’t put together a strong enough case.”
In June, the council rejected the scheme on the basis of damage to the green belt and infrastructure issues – citing a lack of GP surgeries in the area as an example of future risks.
The appeal comes against the broader backdrop of fears about development in the borough. The council is set to move to its next local plan phase in the coming months which will narrow down where future homes will be built.
A consultation with residents last year on potential sites for the 13,700 plan is now being assessed and drawn up into a draft plan.
An example of the council’s success at appeal came in August when plans by developer This Land to build a mini-estate of homes close to the A127 were thrown out after the council rejected them.
Mr Dixon added: “I am worried about future appeals though and there are a lot of developments. I am anxious and am looking to the next part of the local plan with bated breath.”