PLANS to build 50 new homes in East Tilbury were approved by the council's planning committee.

The move to build the homes - which will be a mix of two, three and four bedroom houses - and be located opposite the school and war memorial in Princess Margaret Road, was made despite impassioned opposition from East Tilbury ward councillor and committee member Barry Palmer.

He argued that the roads and junctions would not be able to cope, that the proposed access site is currently prone to flooding and again raised serious concerns that the number of people 'trapped' at the village's level crossing would only increase.

But the plans were given the green light and the developer will now contribute more than £100,000 for the up-keep and maintenance of the Bata factory buildings.

It means the number of houses in East Tilbury is likely to surpass the 2,000 mark. Permission was granted three years ago for 350 homes on Bata Land, north of this site.