Caustic clash between political rivals over Blackshots flats demolition and green belt building
By Christine Sexton - Local Democracy Reporter 31st Oct 2024
A FORMER Thurrock mayor received a round of applause after handing in a 2,300 signature protesting against building on the borough's green belt, but then walked into criticism from a current cabinet member who includes housing as part of her portfolio.
Joy Redsell, former Conservative councillor for Little Thurrock Blackshots, handed over the petition at a full council meeting on Wednesday (30 October).
The petition called on the council to specifically rethink building on the King George V playing field adjacent to the Blackshots tower blocks when the estate is rebuilt.
Speaking at the meeting, Mrs Redsell, said: "This is a petition not just for the residents of Blackshots but for the whole of Thurrock against development on green belt. The green belt policy exists to prevent urban sprawl and protect valuable green spaces for public use.
"Allowing Development on Blackshots playing field would set a precedent that threatens the character and essence of our borough which has long valued its urban spaces as integral to our quality of life."
Ms Redsell who has fought for the demolition of the dilapidated tower blocks for years added: "There is no compelling justification to sacrifice this vital piece of the community's heart. This playing field was given by King George V in 1932 as a recreation and playing field for everyone. Once lost will never be regained.
"I have fought for flats to come down for 15 years but not at the expense of our playing field and our green belt space."
The damp and mouldy homes on the Blackshots estate will be replaced with new homes and work is already underway to move residents out of 168 homes in the three blocks.
Residents in the 11-storey blocks have suffered appalling conditions in recent years.
Accepting the petition. Cllr Lee Watson, portfolio holder for 'good growth', accused Mrs Redsell who lost her seat in May, of electioneering and failing to raise the issue before.
Cllr Watson said: "You did sit on housing overview and scrutiny where this went twice and you never said a word. You attended cabinet where it was unanimously put through by the cabinet at the time and you never said a word. You never put a recommendation through. It feels a bit like a campaign coming on for 2025.
"I'll take the petition and go through it. I've met with the committee at Blackshots, so I do know their concerns."
The Local Democracy Service reported Ms Redsell welcoming the progress of the Blackshots regeneration project but voicing concerns about using the playing field at a cabinet meeting in March 2023 and at a housing overview and scrutiny meeting in March 2024.
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