RESIDENTS in Purfleet and Aveley have the opportunity today (Friday, 10 November) to give their views in person on plans for a new commercial development in the area - which could also lead to the expansion of sports facilities at Belhus.

Developers Marshfoot want to develop the former London Fire Brigade Club site between the A13 to the east and Arterial Road to west in Purfleet. It backs on to house on Purfleet Road.

The plan is to put a number of commercial units on the site.

A statement from the developers says: "In recognition of this history, we are working with Sport England and Thurrock Council to determine local sports needs and priorities.

"It has long been recognised that there is a need for additional 3G artificial turf football pitch provision in the area, and that Belhus Park is a preferred location to create a Sports Hub. But the future of Belhus Park needs to be planned comprehensively and carefully to ensure it can meet existing and long-term future sporting needs.

How the developers would like to improve facilities at Blackshots

"Working in consultation with Sport England and Thurrock Council, we have appointed Centrix Consult and FMG Architects, experts in providing new sports hub facilities, to prepare a comprehensive masterplan for Belhus Park.

"This will consider sports provision holistically, not just looking at 3G football pitch provision but also considering upgraded grass pitches, cricket pitch provision, new or extended pavilion provision and other sports such as netball and padel tennis. We are also considering opportunities to create trim trail paths and running routes as well as provide landscape and ecological enhancements."

The provision of the promise of enhanced facilities at Belhus mirrors a recent application associated with the now approved plan for a car pre-delivery inspection (PDI) site on land which includes the former Thurrock Football ground on Ship Lane.

An integral part of that plan was the provision of better facilities at Belhus but, with approval for the football ground plan, the second application was withdrawn – drawing sceptical comment from opponents of the whole project.

The scheme at the Fire Brigade ground is unconnected but the altruistic ideas for Belhus are likely to be questioned by people who visit an open consultation today (Friday, 10 November) from 3pm to 8pm at the Aveley Community Hub.

The plan for development of the Fire Brigade Club site.

Residents also have the chance to give their comments, opinions and ideas as the consultation is open until Friday 17 November.

Full details of the proposals and the opportunity to comment can be found via this link.

The developers sum up their proposal by saying: "The site benefits from connections by road, foot and bicycle to Purfleet, Aveley and the wider Thurrock area, providing opportunities for future employees access to the site via sustainable modes. 

"Strong and direct connections to the strategic road network will ensure that future traffic movements are not through local villages."