A developer has hit out at a “ludicrous” decision to recommend the rejection of plans for new flats after planners gave the green light to previous proposals for a bigger development on the same site.

Alan Perry, of Blueprint Properties, applied to Havering Council for permission to build six new luxury flats on land adjacent to 67 Corbets Tey Road, Upminster, earlier this year.

But while planning officers recommended the proposals were accepted, councillors on the regulatory committee – who have the final say – rejected the plans, claiming they were too big.

Mr Perry, who lives in Brentwood, decided to submit new plans for a smaller development, cutting the number down to five flats and including more parking spaces.

But he was surprised when the same planners who had approved his previous proposals then recommended the smaller site be refused by members.

Now Mr Perry is urging councillors to give permission for the new homes when the application goes to the regulatory committee on Thursday (August 20).

He said: “After the application was rejected, we thought rather than waiting for an appeal we will go back to planning with a smaller scheme, take on all their needs and go from there.

“It’s being used as a rubbish dump. Either it goes back to being used for no good whatsoever, or we can build five flats on there for young people to move in to.

”There’s no affordable housing for young people.”

The company previously took over the former West Lodge nightclub site next to the land, which they have redeveloped into similar luxury flats.

“We’ve been bringing up the area round there – for them to reject it is absolutely ludicrous,” said Mr Perry.

Rejecting the original application for permission for six flats, the council’s regulatory committee said the proposal was “considered to give rise to a cramped, over development of the site, detrimental to local character and amenity”.

Cllr Damian White, deputy leader of the council, said: “The first set of plans for this site were refused and the applicant was advised the development was too big. He has submitted new plans which will be considered by the regulatory services committee on August 20.”