THREE high rise blocks in south Grays will not be knocked down, top Thurrock Council decision makers have confirmed.
Wednesday (14 October) evening’s meeting of the cabinet agreed “not to award decant status to three Grays high rises – Butler, Davall and Greenwood Houses”, but that consultations with local people should continue as part of the council’s wider plans for south Grays.
Cllr Lynn Worrall, portfolio holder for housing, explained: “By simply deleting the words ‘at this stage’ in the recommendation, we do away with any ambivalence and confusion. We are not planning to award decant status to these three high rises in Grays.”
Members also supported the urgent development of a “local lettings plan” to ensure residents can benefit as much as possible from new homes being built in the area.
Cllr Worrall said: “Do we wish to deny those now living in Seabrooke Rise the chance of moving into newly built homes on the estate? What can we do as a council that will help those who wish to leave, especially as we are building new homes nearby?
“The decision on how the properties are allocated via a ‘local lettings plan’ will be consulted on with residents and will be go to the November Overview and Scrutiny Committee. It will then return to cabinet in December for a final decision.”
The meeting also heard from three residents – one who wished the status quo to remain, one in favour of the decanting plan, and one representative of the resident steering group.
Leader of the Council and ward representative, Cllr John Kent said he was impressed by the way the local community had stayed together overall and in meetings when there were completely opposite views being expressed.
