THURROCK Council is asking top lawyers to start proceedings against a Planning Inspectorate decision to allow a four pitch gypsy and traveller residential site – also with caravans – in Corringham.
Interim Chief Executive – and Planning Director – David Bull said: “I’m really disappointed the Planning Inspectorate seems to want to ignore local opinion, whether that’s councillors in committee or people living nearby and affected by these developments.”
Speaking on Thursday (27 August), he said: “In recent weeks we have seen three similar appeals allowed overturning our local planning committee decisions.
“We have agreed that if counsel believes there is a fair chance of success, we should seek a judicial review in the High Court.
“The initial response suggests we could succeed in the Manor View, Southend Road, Corringham case where there is some urgency needed if we are to act.
“We had to act today and so I gave the go-ahead.”
He added: “Counsel have also looked at the other two cases – Malvern Road in Grays and Park Gate Road, in Corringham.
“We have a bit more time in both cases, but again the initial response is it seems we have a fair chance of winning in the other Corringham case.
“We will continue to discuss the situation with lawyers, but we would be irresponsible to risk many thousands of council tax-payers’ pounds on a lost cause.”
The original Manor View planning application (14/00016/FUL) went to the committee in March 2014 and was for a change of use, for a temporary period of five years, to create a four-pitch gypsy and traveller residential site, involving the retention of an existing shed/barn and the development of three day rooms, a stable/day room block, and the siting of up to eight caravans, of which no more than four would be mobile homes, together with landscaping at Manor View, Southend Road, Corringham.
It was refused by the committee.
