Plans have been approved which will see a former water works site in Fobbing transformed into a new residential community.

Thurrock Council granted Bellway Thames Gateway permission for the construction of 168 new homes off High Road.

The new neighbourhood, which is to be known as Maple Creek, will be built on 24 acres of land that was previously home to Vange Water Works and most recently used for commercial storage.

Bellway will be building a selection of two, three and four-bedroom houses, as well as one and two-bedroom apartments, with 59 affordable homes provided for local people through rent or shared ownership.

Bellway will also be developing more than half of the site into public open space, including a children’s play area, woodland and wildlife ponds.

Land Director for Bellway Thames Gateway, Ian Cooper, said: “With our application for Maple Creek now approved, we can move forward with our plans to drastically improve this brownfield site, which is currently home to disused derelict buildings.

“We will be building a collection of homes that will be suitable for a wide range of buyers, with a broad spectrum of house types and sizes available.

“The two and three-bedroom houses being constructed offer great value for money for first-time buyers, while the larger three and four-bedroom properties are ideal for upsizers and families, especially as the development will include plenty of open space including a children’s play area with natural play features.”

With Bellway scheduling work to begin at the development this summer, the first homes are expected to be released for sale early next year.