A COMPANY building a controversial new distribution centre in Thurrock which has already caused significant noise and inconvenience to residents is seeking to extend the hours it is permitted to work on the site.

Residents living close to the new Segro Logistics Park on land between Purfleet and Aveley fought against the planning permission for the site when it was submitted but lost out.

And as Thurrock Nub News exclusively reported in February their fears about noise and inconvenience were quickly realised when construction started.

In the wake of our report local councillor Colin Churchman intervened on behalf of residents and won assurances that the work would be condensed into fewer hours.

However, agents representing the Segro Logistics site, which will contain two large buildings and requisite lorry and transport facilities adjacent to the A13 and A1306, say work has fallen significantly behind schedule and they are asking Thurrock Council to extend the hours they can work.

A planning amendment application has been submitted - and can be read in full here. Residents can pass comment on the application via the link.

The application says: "Due to working rstrictions caused by Covid-19, it was necessary to suspend construction on 24 March. It did not recommence until 8 April and the build programme remains significantly behind schedule due to the shutdown and ongoing reduced productivity caused by implementing restrictions to working arrangements - including a reduction of people on site and the staggering of start and finish times."

To make up time it is proposed to extend working times on Mondays to Friday from 7.30am to 9pm and from 8am to 6pm on Saturday. Work will remain suspended on Sundays, though the application does state work might also be permitted outside those hours "if associated with an emergency, are approved by the council or do not cause existing noise levels to be exceeded."