PLANS for an innovation and technology centre in West Thurrock for a research and development company have moved a step closer.

Eurovia UK Ltd has submitted a full planning application to Thurrock Council for an office block and laboratory on land off Burnley Road, on land adjacent to the Navigator Terminal. 

It is also close to the West Thurrock Marshes area which is undeveloped land that hosts a significant amount of wildlife. While there are no plans to develop the green open sapce, the application does state that large swathces of the open land is under 'the applicant's control'.

The company carries out research and development of road surfaces. The development is set to become a national central research and testing cantre for Eurovia and comprises a laboratory and research and development facility that will "act as the UK satellite of an international network of technical expertise".

The centre will be one and two storeys constructed mainly of glass and steel. As well as the laboratory, there will be offices welfare facilities for 40 workers at the facility, which is expected to operate 24/7.

Eurovia finds new products for carriageway and footway surfaces and employs teams of engineers an specialists in road and pavement maintenance and design.

In its application, the company says: "Eurovia is committed to investing in research and development of new innovative products as well as focusing on different technical service capabilities.

"The proposed innovation and technology centre will be used to develop new carbon reduction methods and products that are able to make use of more recycled and secondary aggregates. The building will also be used to develop new eco-friendly plants that will reduce noise emissions and greenhouse gas emissions."

It added: "The centre will contain a number of large-scale test machines, capable of performing different end performance tests and specialised bituminous material designs, to allow the development of new products to increase road safety by considering improved skid resistance."

A new access road will be built to the site where the company already operates a road surfacing company.

In a preliminary application, the company said the development would create "significant environmental effects" but it has since carried out landscape and visual impact studies along with cultural, ecological and flood risk studies to reduce any such risks.

The possible effects on highways and traffic are limited as the proposed development primarily includes the use of private cars.

The company said there would be a small number of HGV's and commercial vehicles associated with deliveries using the site but these would be minimal.

The full application and the opportunity to comment can be viewed via this link.