THERE’S clearly a lot of concern around plans for a new production plant in West Thurrock. And it’s clear to see why.

Here at the Gazette we’ve been receiving calls from those fearing the impact of the biomass plant.

These worries are genuine. For starters, it’s commonly known that air quality in Thurrock is not great.

In fact, about a year ago the Gazette revealed how Thurrock was one of the most polluted places in the entire UK. 

Residents, rightly or wrongly, are worried this plant may add to this. Their minds need to be put at rest.

Plus people have concerns about what impact such a plant will have on their community and the prices of their homes.

Yes, there’s been a public exhibition, but residents claim it wasn’t advertised well enough, and many told us they mistook the information leaflets put through their doors for junk mail. 

With any planning procedure, transparency is key in order to allay fears and move forward. After all, biomass is not a familiar term with many people and I think residents simply want to know more, have their minds put at rest.

The borough’s MP is obviously concerned, too. She spoke of West Thurrock becoming “increasingly residential” and rightly urged the council’s planning committee to look carefully at any consequences when considering the plan. 

Residents want to know more about what’s being planned in their backyard.

They have every right to ask questions and raise their concerns.

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Readers who submit articles must agree to our terms of use. The content is the sole responsibility of the contributor and is unmoderated. But we will react if anything that breaks the rules comes to our attention. If you wish to complain about this article, contact us here