THURROCK'S MP has joined borough residents who have expressed concern over the way Thurrock Council granted itself planning permission for a new pontoon extension at Tilbury's International Cruise terminal.

Labour's Jen Craft, who is the vice-chair of the Tilbury Towns Fund Board that is scheduled to underwrite the cost of the new £7m pontoon, spoke to councillors, residents and officers of the Tilbury Community Forum at its meeting this week (Tuesday, 28 October).

Planning permission was granted for the pontoon at a meeting on 14 October, a unanimous decision by members of the planning committee and reported on Thurrock Nub News.  

The planned pontoon extension.

However, immediate concern was raised by residents and members of the Forum, about the way the proposal was presented to the committee by the council's head of regeneration, George McCullough.

He painted a picture that suggested the pontoon was essential to future commercial operations at the terminal that might include the docking and departing of UberBoat Thames Clippers operating regular services to and from London – and also the possible return of the currently non-running Tilbury to Gravesend ferry.

However, that is not the case and Nub News was able to produce evidence, supplied by the Port of Tilbury, that UberBoats, the ferry and large cruise liners can operate from the existing facility at the same time.

Tilbury Community Forum chair Craig Austin (right) has challenged the 'facts' put forward by Thurrock Council's head of Regeneration George McCullough in support of the planning application for a £7m pontoon extension at the town's cruise terminal.

Tilbury Forum chair Craig Austin raised his immediate fears that a proper, independent process has been followed and that councillors were put in an invidious position – making a decision having not been given a full picture of all circumstances.

He posted a video on social media highlighting his and the forum's concerns – which was featured in this Nub News report.

The matter came up at the past week's forum meeting, which was attended by ward councillor Kairen Raper and Steve Liddiard, as well as Mrs Craft.

She told the meeting that since becoming MP she had inherited the role on the Tilbury Towns Fund board (and its sister body in Grays) and she felt there were some areas of previous administration that were concerning.

She particularly focused on the pontoon project and interacted with residents who shared their concerns.

Jen Craft's petition eventually surpassed 1,000 signatures.

"I'm unsure what direct benefits this will bring for the people of Tilbury, who this funding is intended to support.

"Some of the projects that have been started, including the improvements around the Tilbury Hub and war memorial – and scheme around the former railway station at the port - are laudable and have a positive impact, but I can't say I feel the same way about the pontoon plan.

"I am not convinced that it is making best use of the Tilbury Towns Fund money. Clearly there are deadlines in place, and if money isn't allocated to projects by next March, it will go back to the government - which would be a huge shame and a loss for Tilbury, but I really don't think the pontoon plan does what the fund sets out to do.

"I will be looking at this very closely and speaking to colleagues in the relevant departments to understand what has happened here. There may yet be other options."

The Valiant Lady docked at Tilbury with (also shown in inset) a Thames Clipper and Tilbury ferry berthed at the pontoon.

In a bid to get an accurate picture about future plans, Nub News contacted UberBoats Thames Clippers though their statement did little to clear up concerns – and they refused to acknowledge that in the past they have operated their vessels from the existing pontoon when both cruise ships were docked – and the ferry was running.

"Uber Boat by Thames Clippers is aware of the recent approval for the new pontoon at Tilbury. We continue to operate our seasonal services to and from the existing landing stage when cruise ships are not occupying the space.

"This will remain the case for the foreseeable future and will be reviewed when a new dedicated pontoon is delivered".