PROPOSALS for 186 new homes in Grays have not gone down well with residents.

Developer Persimmon Homes Essex wants to build the homes on the former Grays Gas Works site, off London Road.

Residents close to the site fear the development will increase pollution in the area and put extra strain on local infrastructure, such as roads.

The planning application for the development, made up of houses and apartments, with parking, was submitted at the end of May. It’s proposed for a brownfield area.

Grays resident Stuart Read contacted the Gazette to voice his concern over the proposals.

He said: “This area of Grays already has some of the worst air quality in the country – squeezing another 186 homes into this already very built-up location will just be adding more of a burden.”

One Grays, who did not wish to be named, said: “This will cause mayhem for residents, will have a massive impact on the residents in Meesons Lane, and will cause danger to pedestrians and prevent emergency vehicles access – not forgetting pollution. I am strongly opposed.”

Daniel Rapson, of Persimmon Homes Essex, said Grays was in desperate need of new housing He said: “The former Grays Gas Works site has been recognised as a suitable location for new homes by Thurrock Council, and this development represents a fantastic opportunity to regenerate a disused brownfield site.

“The site will benefit from a relocated and upgraded vehicle access via London Road.

“The site is within easy walking distance of the town centre, Grays bus and train stations, reducing the need for car travel and minimising disruption to local roads.”