FOLLOWING a failed bid to persuade Thurrock Council's planning committee to block the authority's plans to cut parking spaces on a busy local street as it creates a new entrance to a building, a leading borough councillor has warned of consequences the local community will suffer because of the decision and other plans by the council.

Thurrock Nub News reported on Thursday (2 December) from the planning committee on the decision to approve a new entrance to the Alf Lowne Scout Centre on Richmond Road in Grays.

That was despite a speech to the committee from impassioned local resident Carol Evans who highlighted the problems the new entrance might cause, 22 written objections from the local neighbourhood and a plea from ward councillor John Kent not to go ahead.

Now Cllr Kent, leader of the opposition Labour group, says he fears the application may be the forerunner to further problems for local residents following the closure – and planned demolition – of the adult community college on an adjacent site.

He says: "This a dreadful decision that will, clearly, have a real negative impact on residents living in and around Richmond Road.

"The council claims it will lead to a loss of two parking spaces - I don't think that's realistic. By the time you include double yellow lines it will be at least four - people living in Richmond Road already have huge problems trying to park, problems that have been made worse with the closure of the gates into the - now closed - Adult Community College, which has stopped residents being able to take advantage of the parking spaces there.

"This latest slap in the face to residents comes after news the council has granted itself permission to demolish the community college buildings.

"The Conservatives want to begin demolition next month and have got the permission they need, despite huge concerns over the impact of vibration, noise and dust on neighbouring properties - and without any clear plan of how the HGVs needed for the demolition will actually get in and out of Richmond Road.

"On top of that the council consulted with the Essex County Council Specialist Archaeological Advisor who asked for completion of a historic building survey before approval was given to demolish the buildings - that was ignored and they granted themselves permission regardless.

"It's clear that Thurrock Conservatives want to push ahead with clearing this site and are already talking of building 70 homes.

"That would be intolerable for local residents but, I fear, they will continue to ignore any objections no matter where they come from."