Seven employment units at Purfleet Road, Aveley

Earlier applications and consultation

An earlier housing proposal was refused by the Secretary of State, while later consultation raised concerns about traffic, Green Belt impact and accessibility.

“Reference Proposal Decision 12/01119/OUT Outline application for up to 501 dwellings, 985 sqm of commercial/community/health floorspace, and associated uses Resolved to grant by Thurrock Council (2014); called in and refused by Secretary of State (January 2015) 23/00727/SCR Request for an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Screening Opinion in accordance with Regulation 6 EIA Not Required 24.07.23”

“Public consultation was held in November 2023, including a public exhibition and online portal. Feedback was received from 65 respondents and local councillors. Key concerns included HGV traffic, Green Belt impact, and site accessibility. The proposals were amended to seek to address these concerns, and the site was renamed “Arterial Hub” to reflect local identity.”

Officer report

What consultees and residents said

Consultees generally raised no objection subject to conditions or agreements, while nine residents objected and one supported the proposal.

“No objection subject to S106 and conditions.”

“The Travel Plan Coordinator has reviewed the submitted Framework Travel Plan and Transport Assessment. While the current submission is not supported in its present form, the concerns raised can be addressed through planning conditions and obligations.”

Officer report

Who spoke at the meeting

Statements were provided by a resident, a ward councillor and the applicant, with the Chair reading the resident’s statement.

What members debated

Members discussed traffic access, bus stops, design, sports pitches, employment need, warehouse supply, housing and the effects of the scheme on Purfleet.

“Members queried where the bus stops will be placed, adding that the current plans seem inappropriate. The Planning Officer confirmed the bus stops won’t be directly on the rail link, but between the rail link and the bridge. Members were advised that they can ask public transport to review the bus stop locations.”

“Members echoed concerns from the residents regarding the vast building that pre-exist and thought something else on smaller scale could be built here. Adding that if there is a need for housing supply this would be more appropriate for this site.”

Minutes

The votes

Members rejected the officer recommendation by five votes to two, with two abstentions, then approved the alternative recommendation by the same margin.

“Recommendations That the Chief Planning Officer be authorised to GRANT permission for the development subject to those items set out in section 16 of the report –”

“Alternative Recommendation Reject on the grounds of the merging of two towns as well as there being proven need for warehouses in the location. It is also an inappropriate location due to it being on the greenbelt.”

Minutes