Plans to build 8,000 new homes in the Basildon district over the next decade have been given the green light after a heated debate.
The Basildon Local Plan - which sets out proposals for how the district will grow until 2015 - has now been adopted as official council policy.
But although approved by a meeting of the full council by 27 votes to ten, the plan came under fire for trying to cram too many houses onto an old school site.
Stephen Hillier, portfolio holder for regeneration and environment, described the plan, which would also see Dry Street in Langdon Hills and Barn Hall in Wickford become green belt land.
Mr Hillier (Con, Langdon Hills) said: "This plan is not the end. It is not the beginning of the end. It is the end of the beginning.
"The plan sets out the vision we have for the building and natural environments in this district for future years.
"I hope all of the council will step forward to support this proposal."
Paul Kirkman (Lab, Fryerns) voted against the Local Plan and criticised Conservatives for suggesting Labour had wanted to build on Dry Street and Barn Hall.
He also warned Mr Hillier about the dangers of building too many of the 8,000 new homes on the site of old Fryerns School, on Craylands.
Phil Turner (Con, Billericay West) hit back saying: "I would call on Mr Kirkman to stop being a political coward and stand up for what he believes in."
Published Monday May 24, 2004
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