RESIDENTS were left fuming after plans to convert land into a lorry park and site for trailer storage were given the go-ahead.

Bournewood Sand and Gravel’s bid to turn a patch of land off Thurrock Park Way, Tilbury, near Asda, into a lorry park for about 52 HGVs and trailers was agreed at a council meeting last week.

The firm was granted outline permission in 2011 to use the 32-acre site as an industrial park, but asked if it could turn part of it into a lorry park, to facilitate future works.

However, residents living nearby and local councillors were left angry at the decision, claiming the developer had failed to discuss the plans with them.

Residents had hoped the application would be considered at a later date, once they had spoken to the developer.

Tony Coughlin, from the Thurrock Park residents’ association, said: “The residents of Thurrock Park will continue to fight this application until the so-called developers agree to meet with the local residents, instead of hiding behind a petition signed by people who don't live locally. It’s a disgrace.”

But the planning committee chairman, Labour councillor Terry Hipsey, said: “I’m surprised residents are so up in arms about this, given the parking problems there are in Little Thurrock.”

Conservative ward councillor for Little Thurrock Rectory, Rob Gledhill, was disappointed at not being allowed to speak at the meeting and hit out at Mr Hipsey’s comments.

He said: “I was appalled at the whole process, to be honest.

“With the lack of meaningful, accessible consultation, residents and councillors feel they have not been listened to and cheated by the way this was handled.”