Flats plan backed by councillors but not Environment Agency

THURROCK planners have backed the development of 24 flats at the former Lion site in London Road, Grays.

At a recent meeting the planning committee was informed that the proposed development met council criteria, but that the Environment Agency objected because it was at threat from flood.

The agency said that in the event of "a one-in-200-year event, all groups, including emergency services may have difficulty in safely evacuating the site".

However the committee heard that a building directly across London Road fell into a smaller-risk flooding criteria.

Councillor Gerard Rice said if this development was under threat, "so was half of Grays” and he asked why developments closer to the Thames had been allowed quite recently.

And committee chair, Councillor Stuart St Clair-Haslam, speaking afterwards, added: "This seemed a perfect place for a development of flats? unlike many others we see? close to the town centre.

"All of the committee, myself included, struggled to understand why the Environment Agency was so determined to object to this development when it has not done so to similar proposals in the recent past."

He added: "As the agency has objected, this application will now be referred to the Government for a final decision.

"They will have to decide whether or not to call in the scheme for a Public Inquiry."

Thurrock Gazette