RESIDENTS and environmental campaigners are planning a protest this evening (Monday, 8 June) against plans by Thurrock Council to sell a rural strip of land - possibly stopping it being used as a bridleway.

The land in question is adjacent to South Hill, close to the border with Basildon which is frequently used by horse riders and local walkers.

Tonight there is a planned ride along the path in protest at the planned sale and a petition being passed around the equestrian community. The ride will start around 6.30pm from the bottom of South Hill.

The campaign against the sale is backed by The Essex Bridleways Association (EBA), which has given a detailed response to a request by the council for people to take part in a consultation process.

EBA dsays: "This land forms a critical safe access link for equestrians, walkers and other non‑motorised users, connecting local homes and equestrian establishments to the wider Public Rights of Way (PRoW) network.

"The proposal would remove an established and necessary off‑road route and force vulnerable users onto South Hill, a narrow, winding rural road with poor visibility, a history of collisions, and no safe refuge. This presents an unacceptable safety risk to horses, riders, motorists and pedestrians.

1. The land provides essential safe access to the PRoW network

"The open space forms part of a wider green corridor used by equestrians to reach local bridleways without entering hazardous road sections. It is relied upon by riders from several local yards, including Wrens Equestrian Centre and other stables in the Langdon Hills area.

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"Removing this link would sever safe access to:

• the bridleway network within Langdon Hills Country Park
• off‑road routes used daily by local riders
• circular riding routes essential for training, hacking and equestrian business viability

"This is contrary to:

• NPPF 92, 98 – requiring protection and enhancement of PRoW
• Essex Rights of Way Improvement Plan (ROWIP) – prioritising safe, connected, accessible routes
• Highway Code (2022) – placing horses and riders at the top of the vulnerability hierarchy

2. Forcing riders onto South Hill is unsafe and unacceptable

"South Hill is a dangerous road for equestrians, with:

• blind bends
• narrow carriageway width
• no verges or refuge
• fast‑moving traffic
• a documented history of accidents

"The council has been made aware of these risks repeatedly by local residents and riders. Disposal of the open space would knowingly increase danger for vulnerable road users, contrary to:

• NPPF 110–112 – requiring developments and decisions to prioritise non‑motorised user safety
• Local Transport Plan – promoting safe active travel
• Highway Code Rule H2–H4 – requiring higher‑responsibility road users to protect those most at risk

3. Reduced usage is due to lack of maintenance, not lack of need

"The council's failure to maintain the land — including fallen trees, overgrowth and blocked access — has artificially suppressed usage. This cannot be used as justification for disposal.

"Local riders have confirmed that the route is needed, valued and used whenever accessible. The correct response is restoration, not disposal.

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4. Disposal contradicts the council's statutory and policy duties

"The council has duties to:

• protect and enhance access to the countryside
• support safe active travel
• safeguard vulnerable road users
• maintain public open space for community benefit

"Disposal of this land would undermine these duties and set a damaging precedent for the erosion of informal but essential access links.

Conclusion

"The land at South Hill is a strategic access link that enables safe off‑road travel for equestrians and other vulnerable users. Its disposal would:

• remove essential access to the PRoW network
• force riders onto a dangerous road
• increase risk of collisions
• harm local equestrian businesses
• contradict national and local policy
• undermine the council's duty to protect vulnerable road users

For these reasons, the Essex Bridleways Association formally objects to the proposed disposal and requests that the land be retained, restored and maintained as part of the local green access network.

The council responded with the following statement: "Thank you for your email regarding the open space notice for Land on the east side of South Hill and for setting out your concerns and observations.

"The notice published in the local newspaper forms part of the Council's statutory process when considering the potential disposal of land that may constitute open space.

"The publication of the notice is intended to comply with the relevant statutory requirements and give notice to affected/ interested parties. It should not be taken as confirmation that a disposal will proceed.

"The Council is currently reviewing all representations received in response to the notice, together with its future intentions for the land.

"As part of this process, we will also consider your request regarding the potential purchase of the land. At this stage, no decision has been made in relation to the disposal of the land. Should the Council decide to progress any future disposal proposals, appropriate consideration will be given to all relevant property, legal and access matters as part of that process.

"Thank you for taking the time to submit your representation. We will contact you again once the Council's review has been completed or if any further information is required."

Any objections or representations regarding the proposed disposal should be made in writing and addressed to the Project Director, Asset Disposals, Thurrock Council, Civic Offices, New Road, Grays, RM17 6SL - no later than 12 noon on 11 June. The grounds for objections should be stated.

Local people say they believe an agreement has already been reached by the council with a local landowner, who will meet the required asking price in return for planning permissions that will allow increased privacy to nearby houses – some of which are owned by reality TV personalities.