Stephen Metcalfe, Member of Parliament for South Basildon and East Thurrock, has welcomed Basildon Council’s review of the sale of Kent View Road recreation ground in order to allow proper consideration of a detailed business plan which has been produced by a group of local residents.
Stephen said “I have had numerous meetings with both residents and the Council and been consistent in my view that this was an inappropriate development that would have an adverse impact on the area.”
“My aim was always for the Council and the residents to keep an open mind about the future of the site. I was pleased that the Council said that if the situation changed then their decision to develop the site could change. I am therefore pleased that the situation has changed and that they have found away to save this important local facility.”
“I believe that this has been made possible by the Council sourcing alternative funding for the Sporting Village and a proposal from local residents, whereby they have agreed to take responsibility for the running and maintenance of the recreation ground.”
“The plans will now be submitted for detailed scrutiny by Council officers to ensure that they are robust and financially viable and I would like to congratulate both local residents and the Council for coming to what on the face of it appears to be a sensible compromise that will see the recreation ground saved.”
“I wish the Vange Community Group every success with their plans and offer my support to them as they take on this exciting and ambitious venture.”
