IN a surprise move, and with a public gallery containing opponents of the scheme, and supporters of it, Thurrock Council's planning committee this evening again declined to consider and debate plans for a new logistics park.

The meeting was due to consider the application for the Mardyke Logistics Park after it was deferred in controversial circumstances last month.

However, the start of this evening's (Thursday, 17 August) scheduled meeting was delayed for five minutes and the belated arrival of director Mark Bradbury.

Committee chair Cllr Tom Kelly then announced the item had been deferred for 'legal reasons' following advice given to officers.

No information has been given about what happened and the gallery - and a number of councillors - were left mystified.

It is not known if, or when, the controversial proposal, will come back to committee.