WITH residents in Orsett seemingly on the bring of victory in getting a consideration of a new housing development in the village scrapped, fellow campaigners waging the same fight in neighbouring South Ockendon have called on local residents to engage in the battle.

As reported by Thurrock Nub News this afternoon (Sunday, 8 March) the lead councillor for housing, Cllr Barry Johnson, has all but admitted he will be forced to veto a scheme for 55 new homes in Orestt.

That was one of 20 schemes originally put forward by council regeneration officers to meet a target of 500 new council house in the borough.

Two have already been scrapped and now it seems likely the Orsett one will be too.

The next focus of attention in on the Culver centre and field by in South Ockendon. Campaigners against the scheme have decked the area in green ribbons, which adorn trees and street furniture.

Three events will be taking place next week when residents can air their concerns and talk to members of the council team who are putting the scheme forward.

The consultations are at All Saints Parish Church and Hall, 112 Foyle Drive on Thursday, 12 March from 3 to 8pm; Friday, 13 March from 11.30am to 4pm and from 10.30am to 2pm on Saturday, 14 March.

One of the leading campaigners is Stephen Chaston who says: "Please try and attend to give feedback on the new proposed plans."

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He is also urging residents to respond to the council's online survey which can be found HERE.

The council says it has listened to local concerns and has revised its orginal plans for the former Culver School site and adjacent open green space.

It says it has reduced the number of new homes on the site and the new designs retain the openness of the space, while enhancing its quality as a habitat for biodiversity.

Officers say key features have been included to ensure the space makes a meaningful contribution to the 'climate change agenda'.

The number of new homes planned for the site has been reduced from around 200 to 170.