THE retention of car parking spaces in the middle of Stanford-le-Hope, despite the sale of the land was welcomed by Thurrock Council Leader Cllr John Kent at Wednesday (10 April) evening’s meeting of the cabinet.
Members agreed the sale of the car park in King Street, Stanford-le-Hope which forms part of a mixed-use commercial and residential scheme with planning permission; a strip of a larger council landholding in Baker Street, Orsett; the transfer the freehold of the Beehive, West Street, Grays to Thurrock CVS; and the extension of the option for Dr Devaraja to buy the former Graham James Infant school for the development of new surgery facilities.
Speaking after the meeting, Cllr Kent said he was particularly pleased about the King Street car park sale as “the council had long sought to bring forward a scheme to enhance Stanford town centre” and it “also preserves the parking spaces”.
Cllr Kent told the meeting: “A price has now been agreed in principle – £350,000 – for the sale which also preserves parking provision of 100 spaces and 61 cycle spaces; sees the demolition of a derelict and vacant retail unit, to be replaced by a 1,500 square metre new store built to very good standards; and brings 22 new flats of Lifetime Home Standards – at least a third of which will be affordable.”
He added: “This is an example of the private sector mobilising and working in partnership with the council to regenerate an important site within Stanford-le-Hope town centre.
“It will provide employment opportunities, and it will not have a detrimental impact on the capacity or operation of the local road network.
“It represents a good example of high-quality contemporary architecture and sustainable construction.”
Let’s hope the Council leader is right – local traders have very serious concerns.
Surely Labour not selling off the family silver?
Makes you laugh they only voted on it that night . Yet thurrock council have been in talks of the sale months ago