A FORMER rural primary school could be demolished to make way for a new residential development, despite its green belt location.

Basildon Borough Council has validated an application by Patrick Holloran to build 31 new homes in Dunton Grange, located in the hamlet of Dunton Wayletts.

The building was once the Dunton County Primary School and Dunton Tutorial Unit, before being converted to residential use in 1997.

It is located in the borough's green belt, in which "very special circumstances" are needed in order for developments to be given planning permission.

However, it was previously allocated for development in the council's now-withdrawn local plan, according to a planning statement submitted alongside the proposals.

A section read: "The five year housing delivery performance of the council remains dire and it is anticipated that the position will deteriorate further prior to a new Local Plan being adopted. 

"It is therefore clear that urgent action should be taken by officers to ensure the acute housing needs within the district are maximised through its planning powers."

The statement also argues the proposals count as previously developed land, and that the high proportion of affordable housing should count in the application's favour with 15 of the 31 houses due to be affordable homes. 

According to the Basildon Housing Strategy 2018-2023, the average house in the borough costs over 10 times the local median full-time salary.

In addition to the houses, the proposals are seeking permission for the demolition of existing buildings on the site and two access points onto Lower Dunton Road.

Mr Holloran's application is for outline permission, which would result in approval for the development in principle. 

Final details such as the layout and appearance of the houses would have to come back to the planning committee for approval in a separate application.

You can view the application via this link.