A PETITION has been started to try to get Thurrock Council not to sell a patch of land earmarked for a new data centre.

Last month Thurrock Nub News detailed plans for the development of land to the north of Tilbury for the data centre proposed by Statera Energy.

The site, alongside Marshfoot Road and the Dock approach Road (A1089) covers approximately 205 acres of land and currently comprises an extensive area of low-lying arable farmland.

Three days after the publication of our story, the council gave notice it wishes to dispose of a parcel of land which is included in the site development plan. The area proposed to be sold comprises approximately 23 acres of land and will be sold on a freehold basis.

The land is described as 'public open space – land to the north-west of North View Avenue and north of Leicester Road.

The council set a deadline of 25 September for anyone wishing to object to the sale to lodge its protest in writing. However, it is claimed few residents were aware of the notice and should have been given more notice and time to register opposition.

Consequently, an online petition opposed the sale has been set up.

It says: "Stop the Sale and Save Tilbury's Open Space.

"We are asking Thurrock Council not to sell this land and to keep it in public ownership for the people of Tilbury.

"Tilbury is rapidly changing and growing. We are seeing more homes, businesses and development across the area, while more and more of the green and open land around us is disappearing.

"We understand that Tilbury needs homes, jobs and investment, but there has to be a balance. Our open spaces matter too.

"Once 23 acres of publicly owned open space is sold, we may never get the opportunity to get it back. This isn't just about today. It's about what we leave for our children and future generations and making sure Tilbury still has open spaces as it continues to grow.

"We are calling on Thurrock Council to stop the proposed sale and keep this land in public ownership."

The online petition can be found via this link.

The proposed development is described as a 500 megawatt (MW) data centre campus, with buildings up to two storeys and approximately 20m in height. It will include a battery energy storage system.

Statera Energy hope to begin construction works in 2028 and the site would be complete by 2033.

The submission to the council for the data centre, which includes responses from consultees, can be read here.