CONTROVERSIAL plans for hundreds of homes, a community centre, and a new school are set to be approved, despite dozens of residents voicing their concerns about the development. 

The proposals include 302 new homes, a community hub, and a primary and nursery school, located near Cranfield Park Road, Wickford. The plans also include a road junction, pedestrian and cycle improvements and open space. 

Basildon Borough Council's planning committee is set to give the developer, Pigeon Investment Management, the green light for the development at a meeting on Thursday (October 16). 

The plans for the green belt land, which is farmland, include 43 one-bedroom homes, 76 two-bedroom properties, 123 three-bedroom homes and 60 four-bedroom properties. A total of 50 per cent of the homes are expected to be affordable. 

A main access for vehicles would be from Tresco Way, while Sappers Farm Road, which is a private road, will remain open and in use. There have been 86 letters of objection, and concerns raised include issues surrounding the green belt and environmental impact, loss of natural habitat near Wick Country Park and surrounding green spaces, and concerns over protected species. 

The council's planning officer's report states: "In the opinion of officers, the proposed development would utilise grey belt land and the proposal should not be regarded as inappropriate. The proposed development complies with the golden rules, which carry significant weight in favour of granting permission, in accordance with the National Planning Policy Framework. As outlined above, the proposal would provide a significant number of new homes, up to 302, including market housing and the provision of 50% affordable homes within a sustainable location. 

"This will provide a greater opportunity for new homes for local residents, both market and affordable. The proposed financial agreement would secure the prioritisation of local people in the marketing of the proposed new homes in the first instance.

"This will ensure that the proposal is capable of making a significant positive contribution to this area's current housing position in terms of the supply of housing which meets existing local needs in terms of type and affordability."