PLANS to build up to 154 new homes in Grays were given the go ahead last night.

Developers Barratt Homes plan to build a mixture of two, three and four bed houses and two bed flats on the site of the former William Ball office, on land between London Road and Gumley Road.

As well as the housing, the development will also see a new public space open and play area integrated into the plans.

As part of the development, The Chase, to the west of the proposed site, will be upgraded.

Outline planning was granted in March 2012.

Concerns were raised by Councillor Tunde Ojetola that the extra people the development would bring to the area would put further strain on school places.

These were dismissed however by officers, who said the planned new free school in Chafford Hundred would be adequate to meet any demand.