�Councillors have approved plans to knock down and redevelop old hospital buildings in Mascalls Park, despite planning officers’ recommendations for refusal.

The plans include demolishing the buildings in Warley and building 26 houses and 14 flats in their place.

The existing cottage and water tower at the end of the site would be retained.

A decision was made at a planning development control and licensing meeting on Tuesday evening.

The application was last before the committee in January and was deferred for more information.

Planning officers met developer Bellway Homes to discuss affordable housing and means to integrate the plan within the overall development rather than in two blocks in a separate area.

They also asked for a “better mix of properties” to include two and three-bedroom properties.

The site was initially developed during the 1930s as part of the wider Essex County Lunatic Asylum complex.

‘Not required’

The main Warley Hospital closed in 2001, but Mascalls Park Hospital continued to operate until early 2011 with new temporary extensions.

Last year the services were moved to a mental health unit at Goodmayes Hospital in Goodmayes.

Three letters of objection were received by the council from neighbours concerned about a loss of privacy and an unacceptable increase in noise and traffic.

Council officers recommended the committee refuse the application because the proposed residential development is “not required” and its impact within the Green Belt where the site is located.

They added that the proposal failed to make satisfactory provision for affordable housing.