Councillors have voted in favour of a plan that will see more than 5,000 homes built in Castle Point over the next 15 years. 

More than 300 homes will be built each year after councillors granted approval for the controversial plan. 

Castle Point council has been repeatedly threatened with government intervention over its failure to put a housing plan in place. 

And major concerns were raised that if the council rejected the plan again, they would lose all control over the plan, including what sites are used for housing. 

Although, the same concerns had been raised in November last year, when councillors rejected previously rejected the plan, with no action taken by central government. 

But introducing the debate at a meeting last night, council leader Norman Smith, insisted the threat of losing control of the plan was serious, stating an outside source, either Essex County Council or a government team would be given control. 

Castle Point Conservatives voted unanimously in favour of the plan, while one independent councillor abstained from voting. 

All 15 Canvey Independent Party voted against the plan.