DEVELOPERS currently building a block of 16 flats in Corringham have returned to Thurrock Council asking the authority to scrap a payment of £40,000, which was to be a contribution to the area's affordable housing requirements.

The block of flats is on a former garage and petrol service station on Lampits Hill and planning permission was granted, despite objections from local people that the development was too large and impacted on their privacy.

As part of that permission, granted in January 2021, the developers AMD Property were required to make the one-off payment in cash, rather than include affordable housing within the scheme itself.

The terms were detailed in the decision notice issued by council officer and read: "There has been considerable discussion and assessment of this data and it is considered that the proposal cannot provide any affordable housing due to the constraints of the site, mainly in terms of contamination."

"The applicant has agreed a payment of £40,000 to the council which will be all for affordable housing and this is considered acceptable in this case."

Now the developers have submitted an application asking to be excused payment. They give no reason why they should not make the payment. Residents can comment via the link above before the matter is determined by the council.