THURROCK Council's Planning Committee has rejected an application to build 24 houses on the site of a popular garden centre.

The application to build on Smiths Orchard Garden Centre, on Chadwell Road, Little Thurrock, was for eight three bed houses and 16 four bed houses, but it was feared that up to 35 houses could have been accommodated on the site in time.

The council received 19 letters from residents objecting to the application, concerns included worries that quiet in the adjacent cemetery would be lost, increased noise pollution, fears that Chadwell Road would not be able to cope with the extra traffic, and an increase in crime.

Ward Councillor Rob Gledhill said: "This application is a Trojan Horse, if it had been allowed there would be no guarantee that only 24 houses would be built, meant the loss of local jobs, lead to the destruction of wildlife habitat and views. This was on top of putting up to 100 extra cars on the already busy roads and a strain on other local infrastructure.

"Nearly every resident who faced on to the site lodged an objection showing the strength of local opinion. I was delighted the majority of the committee listened to local residents and councillors' fears, this really would have blighted the lives of those living in Chadwell Road and Boscombe Avenue."