Following the plan to initially build 1,800 new homes on Green Belt at North Benfleet Hall and a public consultation concluding on the 7 April 2025, Croudace Homes have reduced the number of new homes they intend to submit in their planning application to 1,500 units.

I welcome the reduction, however in my view, this is still far too many! 1,500 new houses would still wipe out the village feel so central to the identity of Bowers Gifford and North Benfleet, and turn the area into a dormitory town.

I support the the Parish Council in their view that a sensible development of 400-500 homes would be far more sustainable and a proportional contribution to the area meeting Basildon's housing needs.

I will continue to stand with local residents against this development and fight on their behalf.

I would urge all local residents who have not already done so to write to Croudace Homes and let them know your views. You can find more information about the plans on their website: https://croudace-northbenfleet.co.uk/feedback/

Although their own informal consultation period has ended, you can still send them your views by emailing them directly: [email protected]