A developer was accused of being threatening as plans to build 71 houses on green belt land in Brentwood were thrown out by the borough council&apos;s planning committee.
Residents in Pilgrims Hatch had expressed their anger over the proposals to build the houses on Hullett’s Farm, located just off the A128, and had raised a number of concerns.
Back on June 15, 110 people turned up to a public meeting at Bentley Village Hall – just across the road from the farm – held to get people to send objections to the council regarding building on green belt, the impact on the environment, as well as highways issues.
On Tuesday, July 17, the plans were brought before Brentwood Borough Council’s Planning and Licencing committee but they barely saw the light of day before they were refused.
In the Brentwood County High School room packed full of Pilgrims Hatch residents the developer’s representative read out a statement that was described by councillors as “threatening”.
“We are concerned that this was heard seven weeks into a 12 week application,” he said.
“We will unfortunately have to appeal this decision.
“The application has not been heard or dealt with as would be expected.
“We had requested the application was withdrawn from tonight’s meeting.
Liberal Democrat councillor for Pilgrims Hatch, Vicky Davies, responded by labelling the statement as threatening.
“I think I was somewhat taken aback by that statement and the threatening tones,” she said.
“We as councillors have a duty of care that protects the area, not just for now, but for future generations.
“Once damage has been done to the green belt it can’t be undone.
Fellow Liberal Democrat councillor for Pilgrims Hatch, David Kendall, added: “Without doubt this application has caused a major outcry for our residents in Pilgrims Hatch.
“In terms of Hullett’s Lane it is not suitable for vehicle usage and its use as a highway.
“Residents certainly didn’t move into the area to have a monstrosity like this on their doorstep.
A number of councillors sitting on the committee then voiced their opinions on the application, with many of them struggling to find something positive to say.