Fresh fears were today growing about how the massive Thames Gateway development project could affect Castle Point.

Worries emerged during discussions of a new Government Bill on planning and compulsory purchase.

Under the new rules, if there are proposals for a major change in a particular area, planning committee councillors were told: "The Government envisages using regulations to enable local authorities to bring them forward as area action plans." This rekindled earlier concerns far-reaching decisions could be taken out of local hands.

Councillor Ray Howard (Con, Canvey West) said: "The Deputy Prime Minister is making an announcement on February 5 about the Thames Gateway project and the whole aspect of his announcement is going to have an affect on those living in the Thames Gateway area - especially in Castle Point."

He highlighted transport studies out for consultation which included making the A12 a three-lane route and improving Sadlers Farm roundabout, in Benfleet.

However, he added a lower Thames crossing could also be part of it and said: "That would have a significant affect at that location.

"You have got to build into it - look at Dartford and the affect on the Kent and Essex side of that bridge.

"There would also have to be flood defence barriers as part of any lower Thames crossing."

Mr Howard was also worried about the pace of changes and said: "So much is going to go on in a very short period - very major decisions are going to be made."

When he admitted to having "reservations" about how Castle Point Council would feature in decision-making, planning committee chairman Tony Hurd (Lab, Canvey North) told him: "It's not the local authority that's going to be left out of the equation - it's the county council."

Published Wednesday, January 29, 2003

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