Officers say its time to approve controversial South Ockendon pub site homes plan (From Thurrock Gazette)

Officers say its time to approve controversial South Ockendon pub site homes plan

12:25pm Sunday 4th May 2008 in News

A CONTROVERSIAL plan to develop the site of a derelict pub is coming before Thurrock councillors again with a recommendation for approval.

In January members of the Council's planning committee rejected Parkland Developments' latest plan to build on the site of the A Stone's Throw pub in South Ockendon.

The proposal was to build a two and a half story development comprising 14 one and two bed flats but was rejected by councillors who slammed the developers for being greedy and trying to cram too many homes into the site.

Now a new plan, similar to that thrown out, is set to come before the councillors at next Thursday's planning meeting and the councillors are being recommended to approve it by their officers.

At the meeting councillors will also consider plans for demolition of buildings at Drapers Yard, London Road, South Stifford and their replacement with not less than 235 residential units of mixed size in three, four and five story buildings.

The proposal is being made by Fairview New Homes Ltd.

Though the final decision on the scheme rests with the Thurrock Thames Gateway Development Corporation, Council planning officers are recommending that Thurrock councilors veto the scheme.