THREAT to national security and a dramatic walk-out by a councillor were the talking points as the long-running saga of a Thurrock airfield drew towar

PLANNING councillors have rejected their officers’ advice and ploughed through green belt regulations in a bid to tidy up a borough eyesore.

Members of Thurrock Council’s planning committee have given permission for St Clere’s Golf Club at Stanford-le-Hope to replace a historic but derelict barn with a new function hall.

The club had already won permission to demolish the listed barn but under green belt rules, needed councillors to buck the system to replace it.

And they got the thumbs up from councillors who said the site was in desperate need of tidying up.

Councillor Anne Cheale said: “I welcome this application. I drive by this site every day and I see a tip. It’s dreadful and appalling, derelict and awful.

“This is an application that would improve the whole area, we’ve given permission for other applicants at Langdon Hills and Orsett Hall and we should support this.”

Councillor Steve Veryard put his weight behind the plan saying: “There are special circumstances here. We talk about new buildings being detrimental to the area but this tip is detrimental to the area.”

Councillor Gerard Rice added: “This site is a ghastly mess and I’m for something being put there to improve upon it," though he raised concerns about soundproofing in order to protect nearby residents.

Councillor Peter Harris supported the idea of a new build but added: “I would rather this be a clubhouse with changing rooms rather than a function hall.”

Officers had recommended refusal but the councillors voted in favour of the new build with conditions that neighbours were protected from noise and the whole site around the gold club was tidied up.