Second plan in for leisure centre site (From Thurrock Gazette)
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Second plan in for leisure centre site
3:00pm Thursday 24th May 2012 in News
Tilbury Leisure Centre
A SECOND planning application has been made to demolish the former Tilbury Leisure Centre and build flats there.
GH Land Developments put in an application to build 24 flats and a gym on the site in Brennan Road, in February, which is still pending consideration.
Another application, by Abigail Talya Djanogly, has now been made for the site, for 24 flats and a doctor’s surgery.
It is not clear if the two applicants are connected, but both are using the same agent.
The latest application is for 15 two bedroom flats and nine one bedroom flats.
The application by GH Land Developments was originally submitted in October 2011, but was withdrawn.
The plans were met with anger by residents, 500 signing a petition opposing the development.
They were supported by Labour ward councillor Lynn Worrall, who said the development would break a covenant on the building for it to be used for leisure and community purposes. She said: “I am very disappointed to see this application so soon after our petition was presented at full council.
“I find the application unacceptable and clearly shows the level of contempt the developer has for Tilbury residents and Thurrock Council.
“Tilbury does need new facilities and I would welcome a new doctor’s surgery and gym, but not at the expense of the leisure covenant on this park.
“I intend to oppose this application at the planning meeting.”
Thurrock Council owned the leisure centre until 2003, when it sold it off to a property developer.
It ruled out buying the building back for public use in 2006.
Bernard 87 says...
8:29am Fri 25 May 12
The fact that we are a part of the 'Thames Gateway' (which in laymans terms means a free for all building site) means that developers are attracted to Thurrock but mainly to knock up blocks of flats, estates of houses and very little amenities.
Allowing building to occur on this site in Tilbury, Wood View in Little Thurrock, Butts Lane Stanford, Aveley by pass and the site behind Bannatynes in Chafford shows how easy developers have it here.
I hope Cllr Worrall stands her ground and makes sure that any plan for the site upholds the conditions of the covenant.