Councillors are calling for a review of the controversial Belmont allotments housing development. 

It follows plans to transform the Belmont allotments into homes being put on pause by council leader Rob Gledhill. 

A number of concerns had been raised by neighbouring residents, with many of those centring on a new access for developers. 

There were major concerns temporary access would cut through the Parker Road recreational ground, while residents and opposition councillors have both been frustrated by what they see as an under par public consultation. 

Speaking last night at the first meeting of the Planning, Transport, Regeneration Overview and Scrutiny for this municipal year, he requested that action be taken by senior council officers.  

Speaking of this, Cllr Kerin said: “we need urgent answers regarding what went wrong with the Belmont development. We are particularly concerned about the lack of resident engagement and attempt to cut through a much-loved green space to access the site. With the Local Plan on the horizon, we need to be working with our residents to enhance their neighbourhoods - not impair them. 

Cllr Tony Fish, who represents Grays Riverside, alongside Cllr Kerin and Cllr Jane Pothecary, added: “Lessons need to be learned, and they need to be learned quickly. What happened at Belmont can never, ever be repeated.”