Representation by Bellway Homes Limited (Bellway Homes Limited)
- Date submitted
- 21 February 2023
- Submitted by
- Members of the public/businesses
Relevant Representations on behalf of Bellway Homes Ltd with regards to Land North of South Ockendon: Further to the Lower Thames Crossing (LTC) Consultations, which our client Bellway Homes Ltd has provided extensive representations to, we are registering their holding objection to the LTC proposals, as shown in the designs that were submitted as part of Highways DCO application. Bellway Homes Ltd has previously responded to various consultations objecting to aspects of the LTC proposals as they relate to South Ockendon and requested further information. As previously advised, the LTC has potentially significant impacts upon the delivery of housing on the land to the North of South Ockendon. The land being promoted by Bellway Homes is situated to the West of North Road and to the North of West Road. The Western boundary abuts the railway line to the east of South Ockendon. Through the emerging Local Plan Thurrock Council have identified South Ockendon, including the land over which Bellway Homes has an option, as having potential for large scale strategic growth comprising approximately 10,000 homes. The land over which Bellway has an option could deliver a significant number of these, however due to the LTC severing the option site Bellway may now only be able to deliver approximately 1,000 homes and approximately 20 acres of employment land. There could be a further reduction in the number of homes delivered within Bellway's Option due to the impact of noise generated by the LTC if this is not sufficiently mitigated. In addition to the concerns summarised above our client is concerned regarding the proposed permanent acquisition of land along North Road, South Ockendon to the north and south of the proposed bridge and the proposed new footpath connection at North Road which could prejudice the delivery of new housing and commercial development that could create employment for local people. We also remain unclear what some of the land is specifically required for and what the potential impacts on the delivery of housing in this area could be. The majority of the concerns raised by Bellway Homes Ltd with respect to the Local Refinement Consultation and Community Impacts Consultation remain outstanding. Accordingly, we have produced a letter providing a detailed summary to Bellway’s concerns which will be emailed today to Sarah Collins (Head of Land, Property and Compensation for the Lower Thames Crossing) to give National Highways further opportunity to work with Bellway and provide assurances, where possible, to help alleviate them. This forms part of our ongoing discussions with National Highways. A copy of said letter can be obtained by emailing: (Redacted) Given the scale of new information that has been submitted with the DCO application that has not previously been shared during the consultation process, Bellway’s technical specialists are still reviewing all documentation and plans. We reserve the right to raise other matters during the DCO process. Yours faithfully, Oliver Lukies (Redacted) Surveyor Strutt & Parker For and on behalf of Bellway Homes Ltd