PROPOSALS for 272 homes on green belt land in Purfleet are expected to be rejected tonight despite public backing.

The plans are for the homes on land north of Arterial Road, known as Mar Dyke Meadow.

The plans are being widely backed by supporters of Cherry Wood campsite, which sits next to the proposed site.

Cherry Wood would also benefit from the development including new lodgings for up to 44 guests, a boathouse to store kayaks and equipment and the creation of a new pedestrian and cycle way along the Mar Dyke.

Thurrock Council’s planning committee is expected to throw out the plans because of the site being allocated as green belt land and its insufficient road links. The application received more than 50 generic letters of support from locals.

In the letter, residents wrote: “Cherrywood is a really important asset for Thurrock, and is a well-managed place of safety and fun for the youth of the whole borough.

“These proposals would improve Cherrywood with new facilities for the benefit of all users, and also increase access to the Mar Dyke.”

Housing would be a mix of two and three storey buildings.

The development would also consist of new open space for potential new residents.

Get the result first tonight along, with other planning decisions, at www.thurrockgazette.co.uk