FURY and concern has surrounded the decision to allow a huge housing estate to be built in Aveley.

A total of 501 houses and flats are now set to built on the former London Fire Brigade Sports and Social Club.

Despite strong opposition, the majority of the council’s planning committee felt the community benefits outweighed the fact the homes would go on the green-belt - and would cut off the link between Aveley and Purfleet.

Many residents don’t like it either, and the proposals must now be given the final seal of approval by communities’ secretary Eric Pickles.

Phil Church, 39, of Manor Close, Aveley said the decision was a disgrace.

He said: “I live just off of Purfleet Road and traffic around here is bad enough as it is without adding more cars.

“We have the houses being built on the by-pass and potentially houses being built near Lakeside.

“Where are the children going to go to school? Aveley Primary cannot cope as it is without adding to the load!

“It seems that every square inch of green land gets built on.

“The road systems cannot cope around Lakeside.

“With the A13, M25 at capacity everyone spills off looking for an alternative route which frequently means that Aveley Village becomes gridlocked.

“There has been money promised for facilities with these homes going in at Purfleet Road, but it's going to Grays! How is it they are benefiting whilst us in Aveley suffer! It's not fair!!

Resident John Livermore, 46, of Aveley Close, said local infrastructure simply couldn’t cope.

He said: “I expect what concerns the people of Aveley the most is the strain the doctors surgery who may not be able to cope and school places, but if necessary will have to once again expand.

This development will also mean the joining of Aveley to Purfleet which is against national green belt policy.

Planning chairman, Labour’s Terry Hipsey said at the meeting it was all about helping residents. He said: ‘There are families living in privately rented accommodation who are paying extortionate amount of rent because they can’t afford anywhere to live. “We need to help those residents.”

Tory group leader Phil Anderson disagreed with the chairman, saying the land wasn’t identified in the council’s core strategy for housing and adding: ‘I’m really concerned if we approve this we can say goodbye to the regeneration of Thurrock.’ As part of the package, contributions will be made to the community including an £800,000 towards a new sports hall at Treetops school, in Grays, and the creation of a new bowls club.