Government's Lakeside delay disappoints council leader but there's cautious welcome for homes and jobs plan

4:35pm Thursday 15th May 2008

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THE Government has confirmed its targets for the development of Thurrock, setting targets for creating 26,000 new jobs and building 18,500 homes.

Thurrock Council leader Terry Hipsey has given a cautious welcome to newly approved East of England plan, but he is concerned over some of the timescales.

In particular he is disappointed that a future development plan for the lakeside area - which is believed to open the door to some huge developments including an indoor winter sports complex and other leisure and shopping facilities, has been deferred for 18 months.

Councillor Hipsey said: "While we welcome the publication of the plan - after a long period of waiting - I am most disappointed that the issue of future development at Lakeside has been deferred."

"This is a matter which the council and the Development Corporation could have taken forward through local planning processes.

"Instead all parties will remain uncertain of what policies should be approved for the benefit of all users of the Lakeside area."

The east of England Plan, which includes the blueprint for Thurrock, was approved by the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, Hazel Blears. She says it provides a framework for guiding growth and prosperity with an emphasis upon sustainability across the Eastern Region.

Many of the ideas for development of Thurrock have already been outlined in masterplans produced by the Thurrock Thames Gateway Development Corporation but the key issue of Lakeside is to reviewed.

The Secretary of State has instructed the East of England Regional Assembly to undertake the review, working with Thurrock Council, the Development Corporation and Essex County Council in order to provide a revision to the Plan by the end of 2009.

The Review will look at issues such as the need for mixed-use developments in and around Lakeside, the impact of further developments, whether the need to travel can be reduced.

It will also look at potential improvements to transport and whether Lakeside should be designated as a town centre.