REPRESENTATIVES from across the Stanford community have been reflecting on the news regarding the Squibb planning appeal.
Statement from Shane Hebb, Conservative Councillor for Stanford West, and Terry Piccolo, Chair of Stanford Forum:
"The community of Wharf Road and SS17 will be digesting news that the Squibb’s saga finally reaches a conclusion. Today we have found out that the Inspector is willing to grant planning permission for the site, with strict controls in place; something which hasn’t been achieved since the early 2000’s.
The man-hours, integrity and professionalism shown by residents of Wharf Road has been key in the Inspector arriving at a far-diluted set of conditions from what the applicant once strove for. No one has won completely, but everyone one has won key concessions.
There is one very significant point to be made…
When the permissions are signed off, for the first time, the site owners can now be held to account. Up to now, enforcement has been near impossible. Now there is a noose that is tied and hovering above the activities of the site. If the site transgresses too far out of what has been agreed, Thurrock Council will be able to slap a Stop
Notice on the site promptly. It now has the ability, and we will expect it to be used if ever required.
So, our message to Squibb’s is clear – now you have permission, we will be watching. If a toe goes out of line, we will be demanding that accountability is upheld, and that the council will exercise swift enforcement.
We hope that today is the first day of a new saga; where the site will start to work with residents to make the community safer and more fun to live and play in.
Co-existence has been forced on all of us, and we hope that the spirit of the Inspectors decision will be followed to the letter".
