OPPOSITION councillors and local residents have spoken of their disappointment at being denied another chance to debate the controversial redevelopment of Thurrock Council's Civic offices.

Recently the council's cabinet 'nodded through' a technicality allowing them to build over the remembrance garden in Mulberry Square adjacent to the current civic offices on New Road in Grays as part of a huge new extension to the offices.

The plan has been widely opposed but has been forced through the ruling Conservative group, even though a majority of councillors voted against the overall scheme. Under the structure of the council, a full council meeting – where a vote was won to stop the project – is only an advisory body and the cabinet, composed of senior Conservative councillors is the decision-making body.

Nevertheless, opponents sought to raise the issue again by 'calling in' the cabinet's decision on the appropriation of Mulberry Square. During the brief discussion on the recommendation to approve building on the gardens, leading councillor Mark Coxshall said it was "fantastic" no objections had been reported to the proposal and went on to say it demonstrates the community supports the scheme as "no public wanted to get involved or say anything."

That opinion was derided by opposition councillors and members of the local residents association and prompted Grays Riverside Labour ward councillor Tony Fish to submit a 'call in' request, asking for the decision to be reviewed.

Cllr Fish argued the process had been flawed as the council had 'sneaked through' its plan for appropriation without giving sufficient publicity to the matter and objectors a proper chance to have their say.

However, the call-in has been rejected, prompting Cllr Fish to say: "We are furious that the Council have rejected this The original consultation was flawed, and it seems there is determination by this Tory-led Council to not consult as widely and as fully as they could.

"Ward councillors were not informed a consultation was taking place. Local community forums and residents associations were not informed either. There was no press release to wider media, just an advertisement in the Thurrock Gazette, which isn't even delivered to the neighbourhood affected by the appropriation of Mulberry Square.

"This all compounded by the fact it took place during the uncertainty of lockdown.

Cllr Fish's call In demanded:

• A press release to Your Thurrock, Thurrock Nub and the Thurrock Gazette;

• Consultation with ward councillors;

• A longer consuktation period

On hearing of the rejection of his application, Cllr Fish added: "By refusing these reasonable demands, Thurrock Council has shown itself to not be interested in meaningfully consulting with local people.

"Once again, we find ourselves facing a Tory-led Thurrock Council that is intent on denying my residents a meaningful say. The question I have is: what have they got to hide?

"Mulberry Square is a very special corner of Grays. To sneak in a flawed consultation, knowing how local people really feel about it, is simply appalling."

Cllr Fish's anger and concern was reflected by Richard Suttling, Chair of the nearby Seabrooke Estate Residents Association who said: ""Thurrock Council know how we all feel about this £10m monstrosity. That's why they've made it as awkward as possible to participate in the consultation.

"We have repeatedly invited the leader of the council and the portfolio holder for regeneration to our meetings. They have never accepted our invitation.

"To sneak this consultation in during lockdown and deny us our day is disgusting."

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