Plans to build a major extension to Thurrock Council’s offices are to be heard at a future planning meeting after an initial discussion resulted in a call for the plans to be rejected.

At a planning committee meeting on Thursday night Labour Councillor Gerard Rice gained the support of the majority of members in calling for the controversial scheme to be rejected, despite planning officers saying it should be approved.

Support for Mr Rice’s suggestion to go against the advice of the planning team means that officers will have to review the plans again and bring them back to a future planning meeting when they will be considered for a second time.

It is the latest set-back for the controversial project which has angered residents and councillors who have continually demanded to know how it will benefit the community.

More to follow.