STANFORD residents have won their campaign to remove a section of fencing which serves as a noise barrier on Corringham Road, off The Sorrells roundabout in Stanford-le-Hope. The noise barrier is situated in close proximity to the fronts of properties, causing light reduction issues, and an imposing feel on the properties.
"Last night, right prevailed over wrong, as the long awaited retrospective planning application for the fences outside the Corringham Road properties on The Sorrells roundabout was approved", remarked Cllr Shame Hebb, Conservative councillor for Stanford West.
"The process took longer than I would have wished. Unfortunately Planning processes take a long time, as all the evidence has to be weighed up before a recommendation was made to make sure all is considered. The consultation responses that residents sent in was a key factor in the recommendation that was put forward, and the decision that was made tonight".
Shane is happy that residents now have the knowledge that the fences will soon be no more, after a year long campaign which started with a public meeting between residents, Shane and Member of Parliament, Stephen Metcalfe last June. The Conservative councillor – and council candidate in next weeks election – pledges to carry on driving fixes on matters which remain to do be done; working with DP World to resolve the road surface and drainage issues as an example.
"I was particularly pleased tonight, as for the first time in my time as a councillor, I saw a planning department recommend that the views of residents be heard, first and foremost, before planning laws and policies were applied", remarks Shane Hebb. "This is a big thing, and I hope that we continue to see local planning decisions based more on what local people need, rather than what people outside our communities want. Peoples views put first; that’s a change I welcome with open arms!".
Shane would like to thank officers at Thurrock a Council Highways department and the Planning team at London Gateway for working with him, and together, to draw this matter to a solution which caters for the needs of the local people.
The Labour candidate for Stanford West, Ella Vine also spoke at the meeting.
Ms Vine said:
”I support the following two revisions:
1. removal of environmental (acoustic) barriers in the vicinity of the Sorrells roundabout junction with the Manorway – only the first part of the barriers, the ones closest to the Sorrells roundabout, which are just opposite to houses in Corringham Road. The second part of the barriers to remain, accordingly to the wish of the majority of residents.
2. I support the reconfiguration of the Sorrells roundabout, because currently the road marks are very confusing to the drivers. A large number of residents complained to me that this is currently dangerous and it needs urgent reconfiguration.
I would like also to raise 4 very important requests to the Planning Committee – these are the same concerns submitted by residents to the Committee, which are in the Agenda:
• drainage – the area just by the Sorrells roundabout and the acoustic barrier is damp. Improvements for drainage management are needed. Can the Planning Committee ask the applicant to resolve this issue, please?
• resident’s car park on the top of Corringham Road – the installation of the port has resulted in loss of a lighting column and loss of three parking spaces. Can the Planning Committee request the applicant to install a streetlight in the car park and to resolve to increase parking space, please?
– the gate to the second acoustic barrier (not the one closest to the Sorrells roundabout, which residents want to be removed but the second one, which residents want to remain) – that gate is not being locked. This results in people using it to get behind this acoustic barrier and a fence, which was already there.
"Because then people are unseen between these two fences, a suspected anti-social behaviour takes place there. I would like to ask the Planning Committee to request from the applicant to make this gate locked/ padlocked, please.”
