COUNCILLORS Martin Kerin, Tony Fish and Jane Pothecary have rejected plans for new development on Badgers Dene, citing concerns around biodiversity, lack of parking, flooding and a lack of affordable housing.
In a joint statement, they said:
“We are not against development in our ward, but we believe it must be the right sort of development. Once again, we find ourselves having to reject an inappropriate development along Helleborine and Meesons Lane.
“This site It is a small piece of woodland on the slope of a bank supporting Meesons Lane. It provides a biodiverse amenity space for both local residents and wildlife to enjoy. We have seen the flood risk to the ground floor highlighted by the Environmental Agency and we echo the Highways Report that the current planned junction with Helleborine represents a danger to pedestrian safety.
“We support the special character of the area, and a block of flats is out of keeping with the rest of Badgers Dene – which is made up of two storey homes. Furthermore, we do not believe the plans provide adequate parking in an area that already suffers with congestion and parking problems due to school traffic.
“The very small number of units that will be provided and the lack of any social or affordable housing means this development does nothing to solve the housing problems Thurrock faces, but will do a great deal of harm to local people and wildlife.”
