DESPITE concerted opposition from local residents - and previous detailed criticism of the scheme by Conservative councillors - Thurrock's new look planning committee tonight approved plans for a new primary school in Aveley.

The decision was made at a meeting of Thurrock Council's planning committee this evening (Thursday, 9 June) when members reconsidered the application for Harrier Primary on land adjacent to the A13 and Love Lane.

The proposed development, first revealed on Thurrock Nub News in January, involves a new two-storey school building to include a teaching block and outdoor sports facilities, play areas and car parking.

In April the committee came close to throwing the application out (https://thurrock.nub.news/news/local-news/avelely-primary-school-plan-fails-to-win-favour-with-councillors-129866 ) and it was deferred to come back before members tonight.

But tonight, only Cllr Lee Watson raised objections and her view that it was the wrong place to put a school and it was detrimental to the green belt were outvoted 3-1.

Just four members of the committee were eligible to vote, as only those present at the first meeting are entitled to do so. Former education portfolio holder and planning committee member Cllr James Halden, who strongly opposed the application in April, did not attend this evening as he was committed to attending a longstandingly arranged friend's wedding overseas.

His reasoned argument based on past experience which he eloquently detailed at the last meeting, counted for nothing tonight. Nor did the previous criticism of the proposal by Conservative councillor Sue Little who was a substitute membner at april's meeting but was not invitged back tonight.

Planning officer Lucy Mannion told the meeting while it was clear the site was within the green belt and would cause harm to the environment, the need for school places in the borough and amendments to design made by the applicants overrode them and it was the opinion of officers that there were special circumstances that meant the application should be approved.

Questioned by committee chair Cllr Tom Kelly, who pointed out that there were a myriad of design objections posed by councillors at the previous meeting and asked if things had been improved, Ms Mannion told him: "We are content that effort has been put in to improve the elevations."

Cllr Watson said: "I have a really bad feeling about this school, it is in the wrong place." She said that she believed that other primary schools planned for the area would alleviate the problem of school places.

And she asked: "What are we going to do to mitigate traffic problems that will impact on residents?"

Senior planning officer Matthew Gallagher intervened and said that there were not other sites in the area that were available. He described it as the most 'reasonably, ready to go location'. 

Highways officer Matt Ford said that the road network was suitable and that had been demonstrated by the applicants, and a planned pick up – drop off zone was a key part of the school's transport plan which had been approved by officers. "We can't find any negative conclusions at this point", he summarised.

Cllr Watson was less than impressed with that judgement call, saying: "I am sure the planning officers said the same about the Harris school on Mayflower Road, which is an absolute nightmare."

Councillors are shown the amended elevations.

Cllr Terry Piccolo said: "I can understand the local residents' concerns about the traffic but my concern is that over the short to medium term there is going to be a requirement for school places. I would rather see an over provision now than an under provision in the future."

Cllr Georgette Polley said: "We do have the travel plan which will be detailed. I think one of the criticism that the council has always received is that we build the housing and the facilities come afterwards. In this instance we are putting the infrastructure in with the housing. We are tasked with up to 30,000 new dwellings, however, unpopular that may be.

"We want Thurrock to be a place of destination and it would be better to have over provision at the moment."

Committee chair Cllr Tom Kelly said: "The deferral was the right thing. They have gone away and come back with improvements. With primary schools there is always going to be a stickler with access.

"I wondered if we could move the location of the school but they have to be in close residential areas. This location is not perfect but it is one of the only available areas at this time.

"This will put Aveley ahead of the game.

"There are elements of regret. I accept residents will not be happy but I do feel that from a planning perspective we have done the right thing and this is the best that we can do.

"I see no other option but to approve this, this evening."