The report summarised that at Full Council on 30 October 2024 a petition had been submitted relating to residents against the use of green belt being used for housing on part of Blackshots playing fields. The petition exceeded the threshold of 1500 verified signatures and in accordance with Chapter 1, Part 2, Article 3 of the Constitution qualified to be debated by Full Council this evening.

Mr Bilton, the lead petitioner, presented his petition and made the following comments:

·       On behalf of the group thanked members for the opportunity to present the case.

·       As a group applaud the council’s decision to replace the current sub standing housing in the Blackshots estate.

·       Petition of 2,000 signature to register a protest of building houses on Blackshots playing field.

·       Loss of this public space would inevitably have a detrimental effect to the public, especially the young.

·       Questioned whether the plans would meet the government’s criteria.

·       Adjacent sites were originally designated for housing were available.

·       Concerns on access routes.

·       Concerns on potential loss of trees and wildlife habitat.

·       Concerns on the history of subsidence in Blackshots Lane.

·       A need to strike a balance between the use of land currently designated as green belt and the impact on adjacent properties.

·       In conclusion, there was significant public resistance to the use of land on Blackshots field for some housing, as demonstrated by the petition and the presence in the public gallery this evening.

·       This public opinion indicated that part of the development was not perceived as desirable or wanted by residents.

·       Hoped the Council would recognise and accept residents' opinions.

The full speech can be viewed from Item 9 on the following link:

Thurrock Council - Full Council, 29/01/25

Councillors L Watson, Speight, Fletcher, B Maney, Jefferies, Johnson, Allen and Rigby spoke on this item with the following comments made:

·       The portfolio holder thanked the lead petitioner and the residents committee for organising and presenting the petition.

·       Good working relationship had been established with residents and members.

·       Portfolio holder had committed to being open and honest on what was possible and to work with them until the delivery of the development.

·       New chief of housing had been willing to listen to residents and had given a commitment to review all options.

·       A solution needed to be found that provided a space whilst minimising the inconvenience for both local residents and those using the park.

·       Plan should still be to provide decent and safe homes for Thurrock residents who need and deserved them but also retaining local facilities and open spaces.

·       Encouraged the portfolio holder to make a formal approach with Fields in Trust, a charity in place to protect open spaces.

·       King George V Park had been gifted to the people of Thurrock with the intention of being used as a green space, not for development.

·       The petition had demonstrated the depth of feelings of local residents.

·       There was a need to increase social housing stock, and this should be possible without sacrificing Blackshots Field.

·       There was an option for the administration to change their mind and not build on the playing field.

·       Member would be happy to see less new units being built as the need for social housing outweighed the need to protect King George V playing field.

·       Concern raised on the change of advice being given to the current administration and asked that the truth on what was financially viable to be made known.

·       Land would be more important as a playing field for the community.

·       Further suggestion made to approach the Fields in Trust on the relinquishing of the land.

·       Blackshots field should be protected with other options being looked into.

RESOLVED

The Chamber noted the commitments the portfolio holder had made to engage with residents on this issue and to explore all options available to the Council.