BILLERICAY & WICKFORD: More green space under threat

A TOTAL of 2,500 acres of green space are now under threat across Billericay and Wickford after the council revealed a second wave of potential development sites.

Members of the public have suggested 130 plots of land for future developments including landmark leisure spots such as Billericay Cricket Club and Stock Brook Manor Golf Club.

Swathes of farm land in Wickford and Green Belt in Ramsden Bellhouse have also been put forward during the latest round of Basildon District Council's Call for Sites.

Deputy leader of the council, Cllr Tony Ball, said: "There were a few surprises on the list I must be honest.

"Billericay Cricket Club for instance haven't been at that home very long so maybe they are looking to relocate. I don't know."

Billericay Cricket Club's captain Steve Farmer was also surprised, he said it would be a shame if the club moved from Blunts Wall Road.

"Everybody loves playing here and it's really convenient," he said.

Club chairman Alan Davies was unavailable for comment.

The list was published on Monday and comes nearly a year after the Gazette told readers Burstead Golf Club and parts of Barleylands Farm had been earmarked for building while residents living near travellers at Dale Farm and Hovefields had offered up their homes.

The controversial drive was designed to help the council meet their stringent target of having 10,700 new homes built by 2021.

Under the scheme anybody can put forward any land for development, even if they do not own it and it falls within the Green Belt.

A reorganisation at Stock Brook Manor Golf Club meant they were able to offer up their own land.

The managing director said he has suggested land bordering the town and the golf course.

"As far as I'm aware this is all part of the council's ten year structure plan.

"There is some re-organisation going on and we have put several acres forward."

Cllr Ball said a list of chosen sites would be revealed by June when the council release their new Local Development Framework and it would be at least a year before any development took place.

He said: "We have a great responsibility not only to our residents who are the life of the community, and the businesses which we look to for our core prosperity, but also to future generations who want a secure and pleasant environment to live in.

"This will sometimes mean hard choices and decisions but the council's hands are tied by centrally imposed government targets."