CAMPAIGNERS against Thurrock Council's plans to develop a 5,000 home new town between Stanford-le-Hope, Horndon on the Hill and South Basildon, are co-ordinating opposition to ensure every possible avenue is followed to block the scheme.

The proposals are outlined in the council's new local plan, which is currently out for consultation. That began at the start of September and runs until midnight on Wednesday, 14 October.

One of the leading campaigners is Jackie Badger of the 35,000 strong 'Langdon Hill Official Group on Facebook who has published details of a specific campaign page, Stop Lower Langdon New Town, which already has 495 followers.

She says: "We have set up a page to keep everyone informed and to organise one coordinated response. Please follow it and share it wide. A website will follow soon.

"Please click the link and view the post to understand the high level reasons behind the opposition to this proposal. There is a lot behind this case and we will reveal more information as we develop over the coming weeks and months.

"One request: please hold off writing to the Council on your own for now. Scattered letters are what the Council expects and what an Inspector discounts. Before 14 October we will publish exactly how to object so that it counts.

"This is one of the most important decisions to be taken in this area in many years and it will permanently change our communities. Nobody came and told us!

"Following up on my post last week about the 5,000-home new town planned on the fields between Langdon Hills, Horndon, Corringham and Stanford. The consultation is open now and closes on 14 October, and most people still do not know this is happening.

"We are fighting it as a legal case, not a protest: the plan is being tested against the legal requirements it has to meet, using the Council's own published evidence. The case will be filed when the consultation closes, and we will apply with legal counsel to participate in the Examination next spring."

Next week there will be two Local Plan presentations in Stanford-le-Hope and Corringham.

The first will take place from 10am to 2pm in Corringham Library on St John's Way on Tuesday, 6 October, the second is on Wednesday, 7 October from 1 to 5pm at Stanford Library on the High Street.

The plan for the new town is featured in the full local plan, which can be accessed via this link It begins at page 289.

In summary the council says the Lower Langdon and Corringham Park Farm sites will "evolve into a distinctive, landscape-led new settlement comprising two interconnected neighbourhoods which form a single, cohesive new settlement delivering 5,000 new homes.

"The new community will be shaped by its rural setting, its proximity to Corringham and Stanford-le-Hope, and its relationship with the Langdon Ridge and surrounding ecological assets.

"The new settlement will deliver a thriving, walkable community where homes, green infrastructure, and local services are carefully integrated, and where the protection and enhancement of natural assets define the structure and identity of the place.

"The settlement will be compact, walkable and well connected, with a movement network that prioritises walking, cycling and public transport. A vibrant local centre will form the social and commercial heart of the community, supported by high quality public spaces, community facilities and a diverse mix of home types and tenures."

The council says the new town, to be completed by 2044, will have 'At least two new primary schools with early years childcare and an all through school providing early years childcare, primary and secondary provision'.

It will offer 'shops, services, leisure and other town centre uses of an appropriate scale and new healthcare facilities providing approximately 600 sqm of floorspace.'