THURROCK councillors have reluctantly agreed to sell a much-loved community centre and surrounding land in South Ockendon as the authority continues to grapple with its financial meltdown.

At a cabinet meeting on Wednesday (19 November), which was previewed on Thurrock Nub News, members approved the disposal of the Culver Centre site in Daiglen Drive, which includes both brownfield land and green space used by residents.

The decision comes as the council works under government intervention to recover from a debt crisis exceeding £1 billion, following risky investments made before 2022.

Cllr Victoria Holloway, cabinet member for place and environment, admitted the decision was "heartbreaking."

She said: "Of all the difficult decisions we've had to consider after inheriting a financially bankrupt council, selling land and assets is one of the worst. I campaigned against selling green space under the previous administration, never imagining these decisions would end up in my own lap. It feels wrong and unfair, but if we said no, commissioners would take this decision out of our hands anyway."

The Culver Centre site spans 11 acres, with half the site made up of the now demolished Culver Centre and the other half open green space. A 200-signature petition opposing development of the site was previously submitted by residents concerned about losing the amenity land.

How the council wanted to develop the site - previously awsarding itself planning permission to do so. But the ambitious mix of proivate and social housing never came to fruition.

The site was formerly the focus of ambitious scheme put forward by the council's development arm, which wanted to develop it as a mix of social and commercial housing. It received planning permission in September 2021, but the council backed away from building out the site with a commercial partner.

Any future development will require planning consent and full public consultation.

Cllr Valerie Morris-Cook, cabinet member for resources, who introduced the asset disposal report last night, said: "It's not something we want to do, selling off parcels of land. But sadly, we are where we are."

Cllr John Kent, responsible for sustainability and heritage, echoed the sentiment: "This isn't just about selling land; it's about what happens once it's sold. Most objections are about losing green space, but cabinet's hands are tied."

The site was previously earmarked for a 173-home scheme by Thurrock Regeneration Ltd, which included integrated green space, but the transfer never completed. The council says the sale will generate a capital receipt to support its Improvement and Recovery Plan.

Despite strong opposition, councillors stressed that refusing the sale would not prevent it, as commissioners overseeing the council's finances could enforce the decision.

Check out the sites the council put on its 'for sale list' via this link.

Cabinet also agreed the sale of land at Catharine Close, Grays, land lying to the South of Edward Close, Grays, land adjacent to the north and south of The Manorway Stanford-le-Hope and the site of South Essex College, Grays. A decision on Coronation Avenue in East Tilbury was deferred. See separate story via this link.