SOUTH Ockendon residents and the wider community have expressed significant concerns at plans that propose the sale of land to the north of Mollands Lane by Thurrock Borough Council amid fears that the open space could ultimately be lost to redevelopment.

The council's notice of intent to sell is here: https://www.thurrock.gov.uk/public-notices/notice-proposed-disposal-public-open-space-land-north-mollands-lane-south-ockendon

Coupled with this move, campaigners say another council document appears to suggest that it intends to 'retitle' the area and remove its 'Green Belt' status, meaning that planning permission processes would be simplified.

Residents have already established a committee focussed on establishing and developing a dialogue with lead councillors and are aware that a draft local plan published earlier this week will have far reaching effects for the Ockendon community. Ok

The land in question is part of the Brandon Groves estate.

The chairman of the local committee has said that "this is far more than just grassland, it is an important community an environmental asset that provides space for people to enjoy nature, exercise and improve their wellbeing.

"It supports a diverse range of local wildlife and we believe this valuable resource must be protected for future generations. This is why we have already been in contact with the MP, Jen Craft and the offices of both ward councillors Bingley and Cherry."

A statement from campaigners adds: "The Save Brandon Groves campaign is already planning further activities in the hope that Thurrock Council listen to the community feeling, as demonstrated in the petition that has already reached more than 1,000 signatures, and reconsider any proposal to sell it.

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"The chairman has highlighted that the council require all representations to be made in writing, rather than permitted email - the campaign's message is straightforward: once this green space is gone, it cannot be brought back.

"The committee urge anyone who would like to sign the petition to access it via change.org, to write to their local councillors and MP and to send their objections to the address given in the council notice.

"Residents will be asking Thurrock Council to put the long-term health and well-being interests of the community and the environment ahead of any short-term financial benefit and to keep the land at Brandon Groves as protected open space for future generations."

Brandon Groves is an established estate in South Ockendon of over 700 home set in the grounds of the former South Ockendon Hospital.

It borders South Road to the West, farmland to the North and East and Mollands Lane to the south.

Its long established green spaces have featured in numerous Thurrock Borough Council reviews as an exemplar of how communities should be constructed.

The land is currently titled Green Belt and has many trees that have protection orders along with a plethora of wildlife, migratory birds and nocturnal animals, including foxes and badgers.