Representation by CEMEX UK Properties Ltd (CEMEX UK Properties Ltd)
- Date submitted
- 31 March 2021
- Submitted by
- Members of the public/businesses
CEMEX operate a construction materials production and distribution facility at CEMEX Northfleet, Botany Marches, Lower Road, DA11 9BB (Property). The following businesses support 40 FT employees and 15 haulage jobs: - Aggregate plant - Block plant factory and large stocking area - Ready mix concrete plant Land at the Property is also let to Gill Aggregates. The Property abuts the proposed London Resort (Development) to the immediate east. Road Access Material is imported to the Property by river and road. The sole vehicular access is via Manor Way / Lower Road (Access Road), linking to the wider strategic road network via the A226 and A2260. Maintaining unaffected journey times and an unimpeded vehicular access is business critical. Longer journey times increase costs and reduce income. Certain products have a limited product life; if Ready Mix concrete is over two hours old it breaches the BS specification. Access Road The Access Road would be subject to permanent rights and restrictive covenants under the DCO. The Land Plans show plots 67, 67a and 72 (Lower Road) subject to temporary possession for works. The existing commercial units accessed from Lower Road will be replaced by a main back-of-house area, including delivery and servicing yard and 500-space staff car park. Lower Road will potentially also be used for construction access. CEMEX is concerned of intensification over the existing use will result in severe congestion. CEMEX also has serious concerns about problematic off-site parking along the Access Road. CEMEX opposes any uses, rights created, works or modifications to the Access Road which would disrupt access to the Property on a temporary or permanent basis. Any Development Consent should be subject to appropriate conditions that control means of access to the Development and ensure that the Access Road remains unobstructed. Highway Network The local and strategic highway network in the vicinity of the Property already experiences very high traffic volumes and is frequently congested. It is difficult to see in practice how a development of this scale would not pose a significant risk to increasing journey times to the Property. CEMEX is concerned that impacts upon the operation of the local and strategic highway networks have not been adequately assessed and that the Development will create congestion, thereby increasing journey times to and from the Property, during both construction and use. Any Development Consent should be subject to appropriate conditions that suitably control use of the local highway network. The Development should not create any increase in traffic during construction or use which would adversely impact CEMEX’s use of the Property and other local businesses. Property Use The Property is remote from any uses potentially affected by local noise and dust. The Developer has stated that any potentially sensitive receptors (e.g. hotels) will be located to the west of the HS1 train line. CEMEX seeks confirmation that: - Potentially sensitive receptors will be located to the west of HS1. - The Developer will not object to existing or future lawful uses at the Property.