Representation by EA Strategic Land LLP (EA Strategic Land LLP)
- Date submitted
- 20 February 2023
- Submitted by
- Members of the public/businesses
EA Strategic Land LLP has an interest in land to the north-east of South Ockendon (within Thurrock Borough) and is currently working with neighbouring landowners and local stakeholders to bring forward a sustainable urban extension, incorporating a mix of uses including housing, community, health and employment uses, through the plan-making process. The site is capable of accommodating a residential led development of up to 2,600 new homes. However, it is important the route and any associated impacts on the local highway network do not prejudice future housing growth; in particular at South Ockendon (being one of the principal strategic growth locations of the developing Thurrock Council Local Plan). Furthermore, we submit the following outline of the principal issues on behalf of our client, on which we will wish to make further representations to the Inspectorate during examination: (i) The LTC project has failed to adopt a strategic masterplanning exercise from the outset that should recognise the wider implications of the LTC on existing and future growth plans for South Essex; in particular engagement with landowners to consider how the LTC project could benefit the wider community and mitigate the impact and loss of farmland and land earmarked for future growth has been limited; (ii) Use of Medebridge Road (South Ockendon) for construction purposes, its impact on the existing users and the future use of Medebridge Road to support development at South Ockendon and post construction legacy; (iii) Impacts of increase in noise and air quality issues during construction and once the Lower Thames Crossing is operational and how this may prejudice the growth and regeneration of South Ockendon; (iv) The requirement for a permanent right of access to South Ockendon Hall Farm from the LTC safeguarded area to the east; (v) The new footpath connection at North Road, South Ockendon should be removed, as it serves no suitable purpose and prejudices free flowing movement into the masterplan area of the proposed sustainable urban extension; (vi) That Medebridge Road and the Moat area are revisited in terms of the permanent land and access requirements as currently the proposals will likely prohibit future development in this identified growth area; (vii) The intended use of Mollands Lane, South Ockendon; (viii) That Medebridge Road and its junction with the A13 should be upgraded to a major haul road permanently to adoptable standards (i.e. not just during the construction period) with reference to the Hatch Report ‘LTC Mitigation Benefits’ (published February 2021) ; (ix) That the local road network is appropriately assessed to determine the extent of impacts as a consequence of both construction and operational traffic; (x) The passive provision be provided within the South Ockendon area to facilitate the wider growth aspirations of Thurrock Council, local residents and delivery stakeholders.