COUNCILLORS will decide whether to approve nearly 270 homes to be built in the local green belt next week.

The planning committee at Basildon Borough Council will meet on Wednesday, 22 March to vote on plans by Bloor Homes to build 269 homes built in Dunton, on the outskirts of Laindon.

According to a design and access statement, the proposals will maximise walking, cycling and public transport and encourage opportunities for home working and community interaction.

A section read: "The new proposed development, not only responds to people's desires to live in a quality home but provides a whole new way of life, one that's sustainable, healthy and community focused.

"As the development evolves it will continue to provide contemporary family homes of all sizes and tenures. Housing is focused around an attractive high quality central open space which provides an area of play along with a place for social gathering for all residents to enjoy."

According to a council report published ahead of next week's meeting, the development would meet the very special circumstances required to be built in the green belt. The report says this is because it would provide "significant" levels of market and affordable housing above the policy threshold within five years.

The council's housing land supply currently stands at 1.89 years, well below the required five year minimum, the report says. Some weight has also been given to economic and biodiversity gains.

The houses and flats themselves are intended to be a mix of one bedroom apartments, and two, three and four bedroom houses. According to the report, the development would meet the council's required minimum proportion of on-site affordable homes.

In addition to the homes, the application is also seeking permission for vehicle access off Dunton Road, open space, landscaping and an acoustic barrier.

The proposed site, which is currently 9.5 Hectares of agricultural land, was allocated for development in the since-withdrawn local plan, a blueprint for tens of thousands of homes across the district.

Full planning permission is being sought, rather than separate application for outline and reserved matters stages, according to the report.