THE latest application for redevelopment of the Springhouse Club site in Corringham will be debated at Tuesday's (14 April) meeting of Thurrock Council's planning committee.

The proposal, submitted by Stonebond Properties and Craythus Ltd, seeks permission to demolish the ageing sports club buildings in Springhouse Road and replace them with a three‑storey sports and social facility.

If approved, it wouldinclude a full-size floodlit 3G pitch and a range of indoor and outdoor leisure amenities.

The scheme also includes 81 houses on the northern half of the 8-acre site, reduced from 86 during the application process.

Planning officers say the plans offer "significant improvements" to local sports provision, with new facilities including badminton courts, a climbing wall, gym and studio space, pétanque terrain, a dedicated bowls green, two bars, a café/restaurant and outdoor terrace.

The new facilities would be open to the wider community on a pay‑to‑play basis rather than to club members only.

The scheme requires the loss of part of an existing playing field, but Sport England has not objected, noting the increased usability of the floodlit artificial pitch and the improved quality of the replacement facilities.

Officers say the residential element is "enabling development" needed to fund the new sports hub.

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None of the homes will be affordable, and the development will not contribute to healthcare or education, after a viability assessment found such payments would make the project unviable.

The council's education department has formally objected to the lack of primary school contributions, while the NHS requested almost £60,000 to mitigate pressure on local GP services.

However, officers say national policy allows viability issues to outweigh these requirements.

A total of 14 objections and a petition with 161 signatures were submitted, raising concerns about loss of open space, traffic, noise, drainage and impact on wildlife.

A petition signed by 69 residents supports the proposals.

If approved, the developer will fund parking‑control investigations on Springhouse Road, travel‑plan monitoring and ecology mitigation. A Section 106 agreement will also secure a community-use arrangement for the sports facilities.

Planning officers recommend approval subject to conditions and completion of the legal agreement.

In August 2021 councillors approved plans for 95 homes on the site but the scheme was not developed.

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