CAMPAIGNERS on both sides of arguments surrounding two controversial planning applications will be holding their breath as councillors ponder decisions later today (Thursday, 6 April).

Thurrock Council's planning committee, which meets at the Town Hall in Grays at 6pm, will be considering two separate proposals for commercial developments either side of Ship Lane on the approach to Aveley.

There are similarities in both applications – in that part of the bid is based on providing community facilities as a way of offsetting the impact of development in the green belt.

On one side the road is an application for a new logistics hub on land adjacent to Watts Wood including Mardyke Farm.

The proposal seeks to demolish existing buildings (including dwellings) and structures that form part of the application site and build 12 units that will form the new Mardyke Park logistics hub. The proposal also includes a plan to build a community facility to be used by Essex Boys and Girls Clubs.

The proposal has provoked local opposition, but support from further afield for the new community facility.

There are parallels with the second application to be dealt with, which is for a pre-delivery car preparation operation (PDI) on land adjacent to the now disused Thurrock FC stadium,

There have been a number of previous applications to develop the site, all rejected including this one in August 2021.

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As part of the deal the car site developers Group One Automotive say they will refurbish the stadium and give it to Grays Athletic, who are looking for a new home.

Many local residents in Aveley oppose the scheme and a petition of around 700 signatures has been submitted.

But Grays have been running a strong campaign of support for the proposal and prepared a video of why they think the stadium is right for them.

A campaign message from the club says: "Bringing a disused football ground back into community use and include a legally binding agreement that will keep the ground for everlasting community football use.

"Encouraging young boys and girls from age five to 16 to play football, along with those aged 16+ to study a BTEC Sports course at the ground.

"Provide a pathway for youngsters through youth football to Under 23s and Senior Men and Women's football.

"Here are a few potential benefits to think about -

"The PDI facility will bring over 30 new jobs to the area, including two permanent new jobs at Grays Athletic Community Football Club.

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"HGV turnaround along Ship Lane and CCTV monitoring to reduce and even eliminate HGV traffic into Aveley Village via Ship Lane.

"Massive bio-diversity net gain with wildflower planting close to the Mardyke, supporting bee, bird and insect species to thrive in this location.

"The inclusion of vehicle charging points will support the transition to electric cars when the sale of new petrol and diesel cars is banned from 2030 in the UK."

A third application before tonight's meeting is for a related development, a new 3G pitch to be built at Belhus, to offset the loss of training pitches that would be built on for the new car plant.

It is likely to be a contentious meeting throughout, with lots of people from both sides wishing to air their views – though not everyone can.

Aveley councillor Maureen Pearce, who opposes both schemes, can't speak on the football site plan because it is just outside her ward boundary.

Cllr Pearce says: "Unfortunately, I've been informed because of the stupid planning committee rules, I am not able to speak on the PDI application when it comes up on Thursday. Technically it comes under the boundaries of the West Thurrock Ward, not Aveley, which means no Aveley councillor can speak. Which is infuriating, as it affects Aveley not West Thurrock. However, the general public of Aveley can speak. Bizarre. I can, however, speak on the Mardyke Farm application, which does fall under Aveley boundaries and I'm proposing my objections."

Nub News understands that there is a possibility the PDI application (and presumably the Belhus one) might be deferred as a site visit may be requested. The same might happen regarding the logistics hub. A deferment of any of the applications would mean decisions will be made by a possibly reshaped committee in the wake of next month's local elections - and campaigners of all sides of the argument have suggested it might be a cynical way to avoid having to make unpopular decisions before local elections which are expected to be closely contested.

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