CONTROVERSIAL housing project firm Iceni, which has steered a number of new home developments through Thurrock's planning process, has reaffirmed a bid to build on another green belt site in Stanford-le-Hope.

In March 2023 Thurrock Nub News reported on initial plans for a project to build up to 190 homes on land east of Butts Lane and north of Mucking Wharf Road.

The site is adjacent to St Clere's School.

Developers asked Thurrock Council if they would be required to provide an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) to be submitted for the site.

An EIA is a document highlighting potential impact on the area by the completed estate and also its construction.

Iceni won over the council's then major applications manager, Matthew Gallagher (who has since left the council) who said the company didn't have to bother with what can be an expensive pre-application process and they were free to submit a formal planning application without one.

Mr Gallagher said: "The local planning authority (Thurrock Council) considers that the proposal would be unlikely to result in significant effects on the environment."

The fruits of Iceni's efforts since have now come to light, though the project has been dropped to 121 homes.

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A company called EA Strategic Land is now planning to submit an outline planning application to Thurrock Council for their proposals later this year.

The site off Butts Lane.

It says its proposal will provide:

• Up to 121 much needed new homes, including market and 50% affordable housing

• A new public open space and play area

• Improved landscaping and biodiversity features

• Contributions to local infrastructure such as improvements to health, education and sports facilities.

A spokesperson for Iceni said the project will meet the government's 'Golden Rules for Green Belt development' and the proposal will offer 50% affordable housing and investment in ;much-needed local infrastructure; as well increased access to public open space.

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The site is adjacent to St Clere's School, off Butts Lane.

She added: "There is a serious need for housing for local people in Thurrock. We believe that this development will help to play its part in providing much needed new homes, as well as delivering significant economic benefits through investment in the local area."

The company is planning a pop-up consultation event on Tuesday, 20 May, between 3pm and 7pm on King Street, Stanford-le-Hope, near Debut Training Academy Salon.

It says: "This consultation will give local people the opportunity to find out more about the proposals and provide feedback."

Iceni Projects has been associated with a number of highly controversial projects in the borough over recent years, employing former Thurrock Council staff as part of its development team.

One time borough council employee Andy Millard, spent 12 years at the council including spells as head of strategic planning and delivery, head of planning and growth and in his final post as director of place.

He left his £135,000 a year post in October 2021 to move to the south of France, issuing a leaving message that said: "Building on the vast amount of experience I have gathered over my career, I am now available for interesting and rewarding short-term advisory roles in the public and private sectors.

"If you have an opportunity that fits the bill, and if you consider that I could add value, then I'd be pleased to hear from you."

In 2023 he returned as the chair of a group of residential property developers, working under the branding of 'Thurrock Residential Developments Partnership' (TRDP). TRDP was wholly owned by Ian Anderson, who also owns Iceni.

Iceni has been associated with a number of controversial planning applications, including the current bid to build more than 1,000 homes near Bulphan.

It was also a driving force in the initial stages of now approved plans to build up to 1,000 homes in East Tilbury and has been associated with another current major planning bid, for 525 homes in Corringham.