CAMPAIGNERS are confident of winning a long-running battle to stop hundreds of homes being built on green belt after a victory on a separate piece of Benfleet green belt.

The Save Jotmans Farm campaign group has vowed to fight plans to build up to 265 homes south of Jotmans Lane and says it is feeling optimistic after a separate plan, for 165 homes off Glebelands, was withdrawn by Fox Land and Property.

This gives hope to the campaign group fighting to save Jotmans Farm.

Susan Buhr, 75, of Jotmans Lane, a member of the campaign group, is confident the successful Glebelands campaign will make Jotmans developer Persimmon reconsider.

She said “If they pull out of Jotmans, that would be the best possible news. The withdrawal of the Glebelands appeal was unexpected.

"Maybe developers are getting the message about green belt development. There are a number of reasons why we can’t have development here on top of green belt. Namely, a lack of infrastructure, the need for more schools and doctors.”

Persimmon Homes’ plans to build on green belt fields south of Jotmans Lane, were rejected by Castle Point Council two years ago.

The developer began appeal proceedings, and stated it would be keeping a close watch on the outcome of the Glebelands appeal.

A three-day planning hearing is due to be held from September 8 to decide the future of the Jotmans Lane site.

The first two days will be at Runnymede Hall, in Kiln Road, Thundersley, and the third day will be held in the council offices in Kiln Road.

Mrs Buhr has also been encouraged from a ruling in Hertfordshire.

She said: “Greg Clark, the Communities Secretary, ruled on an identical case to Jotmans. It wasaproposal for a 116-home development on an open farm in St Albans, which was also in close proximity to the railway line and with no special circumstances to consider. With any luck, the same rules will apply.

“Planning Minister, Brandon Lewis, has spelt it out very clearly for planning officers at Castle Point.

“They have a letter to work to in black and white. There’s no excuses, Jotmans cannot be built on.”

Charles Church, the company pushing forward the plans with Persimmon, was unavailable for comment.