THURROCK Councillors will decide next week whether plans for up to 121 homes on land next to St Clere’s School in Stanford-le-Hope can go ahead amid concerns over the impact on playing fields reports the Local Democracy Reporter.
Thurrock Council’s planning committee is due to consider the outline application on June 9, following a deferral in March to allow further scrutiny of sports provision and reconsultation with Sport England.
The scheme, proposed for land south of the school and east of Butts Lane, would deliver a mix of market and affordable housing.
Officers have again recommended approval, subject to a legal agreement and planning conditions.
The earlier deferral came after councillors raised concerns about Sport England’s objection, centred on the loss of a strip of playing field needed to form an access road into the site.
Sport England has maintained its objection, warning the development could affect pitch flexibility, training space and future use of a cricket wicket.
However, planning officers say the impact is limited and would not reduce the number or quality of sports pitches available.
A report states pitches could be realigned without reducing their size, with no impact on existing football and rugby pitches to the east or on community use of the site.
The Osbourne Co-operative Academy Trust, which runs the school, has said proceeds from the land sale would help fund improvements to sports facilities.
However, these upgrades are not yet guaranteed, as the school is also facing significant costs linked to rebuilding work caused by RAAC concrete issues.
The trust has identified a further artificial grass pitch as a key ambition to meet demand from pupils and the wider community.
Public comments show 48 residents object to the proposals with many concerned regarding “a loss of more green belt around Stanford”, only two are in support.
The applicant Estates and Agency Strategic Land and the Osbourne Co-operative Academy Trust was also contacted for comment.
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Economic development Planning Permission
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