1500 sign petition against Chadwell development

OVER 1,500 people have signed a petition objecting to plans to build 350 homes in the Greenbelt on Grade 2 agricultural land.

On Thursday, Angela Ruff from Orsett Heath met Cllr Barbara Rice at the Civic Offices in Grays to present the petition objecting to the proposed development at Heath Place.

Angela has vigorously led the campaign against the development of 350 homes and the campaign has been supported by the Chadwell councillors and a substantial number of both Orsett Heath and Chadwell St Mary residents.

Because the petition has over 1,500 signatures, it can allow for a debate at full council following a motion which was agreed unanimously

More signatures are still being submitted every day and Mrs Ruff has also collected nearly 500 letters against the development.

Mrs Ruff who has lived in the area for 40 years said: “This development would devastate the area. We do not have the infrastructure to support it and we do not have enough doctors in the area – we already often have to wait weeks for an appointment.

“There is one dentist and there are not enough school places to support this proposal.”

Cllr Rice – who has been campaigning with the residents – added: “This is grade 2 agricultural land and only 14 per cent of all growing land is of this quality.

“The road network is not sufficient to take this development and the infrastructure cannot support it.

“I have been really impressed with the community spirit of Chadwell St Mary and Orsett Heath residents.

“We have worked together and have formed a stronger community spirit in doing so. I am proud to be a resident and also a councillor for these fantastic people.”

Mrs Ruff said: “We held a quiz night and several open events to discuss and keep the community spirit going. Our campaign has gone from strength to strength and we are optimistic we will be listened to and common sense will prevail and this proposal will be thrown into the long grass.”