Riverside park regeneration at Thames Road, Grays

What was proposed

The application proposed regenerating Grays Riverside with a new walkway, raised flood defence, landscaping, biodiversity measures and related infrastructure.

“This full planning application, submitted by Thurrock Council, seeks approval for the regeneration of Grays Riverside, between Grays Town Wharf and Tilbury Docks, with new walkway, raised flood defence, landscape and biodiversity measures and associated infrastructure.”

“PROPOSAL: Regeneration of Grays Riverside, between Grays Town Wharf and Tilbury Docks, with new walkway, raised flood defence, landscape and biodiversity measures and associated infrastructure…”

Officer report

The site

The 2.5-hectare site beside the River Thames includes riverside parkland, walkways, part of Kilverts Field and paths through Grays Beach Riverside Park.

“The site at Grays Riverside, is located south of Grays town centre adjacent to the River Thames. The site covers 2.5 hectares and is formed of the Riverside Promenade, which is a long stretch of riverside parkland and walkways which run the entire southern boundary of the site along the River Thames. The site also includes some of the south part of Kilverts Field and adjacent footpath and the footpath through the south and east…”

Officer report

Earlier application and consultation

An earlier screening decision found that an environmental impact assessment was not required, and the applicant carried out online and in-person consultation.

“Reference Proposal Decision 24/01039/SCR Request for Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Screening Opinion: Regeneration of Grays Riverside, between Grays Town Wharf and Tilbury Docks, with new walkway, raised flood defence, landscape and biodiversity measures and associated infrastructure…”

“The applicant did request pre application advice, this was acceptable in principle. There has been a public consultation exercise carried out by the applicant, which included online and in person events, in accordance best practice and the Statement of Community Involvement.”

Officer report

What officers recommended

Officers recommended approval because the proposal would enhance an existing open space, improve public access and have no unacceptable effects on ecology, flooding or amenity.

“The proposal for the refurbishment of Grays Riverside is acceptable in principle as it would enhance an existing open space and would improve public access to the area. Matters of detail are also acceptable the design is effective and there are no unacceptable impacts on ecology, flood risk and amenity. Approval is recommended, subject to conditions.”

“Approve, subject to the following conditions:”

Officer report

What residents said

A site notice, press advert and 58 notification letters produced no representations.

“A site notice was displayed on site, there was a press advert and 58 notifications letters were sent to nearby properties. There were no representations received.”

Officer report

Who spoke

The agent spoke for the application and confirmed they had been instructed by Thurrock Council’s Regeneration Team.

What members discussed

Members discussed CCTV, lighting, anti-social behaviour, funding, the amphitheatre and the position of its steps beside the river.

“Members queried whether there would be inclusion of CCTV. It was confirmed there would be CCTV along the waterfront and the pathways will have CCTV and new lighting in an attempt to reduce anti-social behaviour. They added…”

“Members were in favour of the application and thought it was a nice scheme, that could be very well used. Members added that it would be good to see Grays regenerated and they were looking forward to seeing the finished product. Other members stated that they were in favour and thought the CCTV and deterring of anti-social behaviour was necessary. The Chair added it would strengthen the sea defences.”

Minutes

The vote

Seven councillors voted for approval, with none against and none abstaining.

“Recommendations Approve, subject to conditions.”

“For (7): Councillors Fletcher, Sisterson, Cherry, Green, Kelly, Liddiard, Panjala Against:(0) Abstain (0)”

Minutes