Petition calls on council to preserve playing fields currently threatened by development

By Christine Sexton - Local Democracy Reporter 4th Feb 2025

THURROCK Council has accepted a petition to protect a Grays playing field from development.

The petition calls on the council to rethink building on the King George V playing field adjacent to the 11-storey Blackshots tower blocks, which are due to be demolished and replaced.

The council wants to build 258 new homes in lower rise blocks but says it needs to use part of the green belt playing field to do so.

A 2,300 signature petition was presented to the council by former Blackshots Conservative councillor Joy Redsell in October. More than 1,700 signatures have now been verified and with 1,500 signatures required for a council debate it was formally presented to the council.

Presenting it, Mike Bilton representing the residents, said: "We raised a petition in protest about building houses on Blackshots playing field, an area that was given to the people of Thurrock in perpetuity.

"The large number of people using the field gives testimony to the field's popularity. The apparent intention is to attract families with children into the area. Any loss of public space will have a detrimental effect, especially for the young. We spoke to many residents and in not one of the conversations was there any support for building houses on the field, although most applauded the decision to replace the sub-standard housing."

Cllr Ben Maney, ward councillor for Little Thurrock Blackshots, said the council was not bound by any previous agreement.

He added: "We were always led to believe that 258 was the number of new units needed and if we deviate from that the scheme will become unviable. Twice last week it was confirmed by senior officers that absolutely if you reduce that number it can still go ahead."

Fellow ward councillor Michael Fletcher, said: "Once you agree to build on one of our parks, in theory none of them are safe.

"It's been full steam ahead and to hell with the locals. That's why this petition has been so important because it shows the depth of feeling about this across the borough. I hope this is a first step in protecting our urban parks because once that parkland is gone it's not coming back."

Lee Watson, councillor responsible for good growth, said a review would consider all options.

She said: "I'm committed to the residents' committee to talk openly and honestly with them about what is and isn't possible and to work with them from now until delivery of the development to ensure they are involved at every single stage.

"I can't give any commitment at this stage not to build on the identified area of the park. What I can commit to is to look at all alternatives."