EXCLUSIVE

A CONTROVERSIAL noise nightmare for residents close to a new distribution park which is under construction goes on.

Thurrock Nub News reported earlier this week on the noise emanating from the Sergo Logistics Park in Purfleet - which appears to be in breach of approved planning conditions.

Yesterday evening (Thursday, 10 September) residents in Purfleet received a notice put through their doors by Winvic Construction, saying that work to lay concrete floors in a new multi-storey car park will continue late into the evenings and the company is not able to say when it will finish. It has already gone into the early hours of the morning, keeping residents awake on some nights this week.

This is despite there being a planning condition in force which restricts work to between the hours of 7.30am and 6pm on weekdays, 8am to 1pm Saturdays and no working on Sundays.

In June contractors tried to get an extension to those hours but the application was rejected .

But contractors have continued to flagrantly break those rules - but it appears Thurrock Council is doing nothing to enforce the planning breaches and bring the apparently illegal work to a halt.

Ward councillor David van Day has taken up the cudgel on behalf of residents, telling Thurrock Nub News: "I am appalled to hear that planning restrictions may be being abused and of course will refer these enquiries to the relevant departments.

"Residents should certainly not be subjected to these inconsiderate practices.

"I will be seeking assurances from the officers at the council who deal with Sergo that these practices will cease immediately.

"I would like to add my sympathy to the residents who are directly affected and ask that their interests will be considered first in these matters."

However, it appears the council is turning a deaf ear to Cllr van Day as well as residents - and Thurrock Nub News. We have had no response to our request for information about why the planning permissions are not being enforced, though perhaps the fact that as far as we can ascertain, Thurrock Council still owns the land on which the site is being built means it would be embarrassing for it to enforce action against itself!

We have asked the council for an urgent response to define ownership of the land, and if it affects the enforcement procedure - but again have had no response.

There will be further disruption for local residents starting from Monday, 21 September when the road and footpath on Purfleet Road will be dug up by contractors Henderson and Taylor to install low voltage cables.

The work will involve a four way traffic light system with signs and diversions for motorists and pedestrians.