CAMPAIGNERS have spoken out yet again against a controversial development with an appeal hearing currently underway.

Plans to build 280 homes on Little Thurrock Marshes were initially rejected by the council’s planning committee.

But an appeal was lodged by the developers, and the planning inspectorate began hearing evidence at the council offices today.

The appeal is due to run until Friday, with campaigners confident it will be thrown out.

Chair of Thurrock park Residents committee, Tony Coughlin, said “It is total madness to even consider putting homes on this land when it is often looking like a lake after heavy rain, not to mention it is greenbelt and a habitat for much natural wildlife.

“The area has suffered enough with other large developments taking place, and we see more and more of our open spaces being desecrated.

“How much more are we to loose at the expense of our quality of life.

“Also other major concern are, if approved, we will see another 600 cars per day going up and down Churchill road which is the only access route to these houses once built, the required piling needed will mean high noise disturbance for residents for years to come and be heard for miles around, and with Tilbury 2 on the horizon the increased traffic along the A1089 will be unbearable for those living on this new development living so close to the road with high pollution levels causing major health concerns.

“The original application was refused by the planning committee in June 2017 but sadly the developers don’t respect local democracy of the planning committee so are trying to get this approved through the back door.”