Some 100 or so local residents from Lee Chapel, Kingswood and other parts of Basildon packed into the community hall in The Knares on Sunday morning to hear members of GAG2011 explain the application currently before Basildon council to demolish Basildon College, Basildon Sports Hall and the Longwood Equestrian Centre, and to develop the “Nethermayne Site” for housing. The meeting heard how 750 homes are planned for the site with only around 10% designated as “affordable”. The rest would be large “aspirational” units. These will do little to satisfy the housing needs of the Borough.
The price for this development ? The demolition of the Longwood Equestrian Centre as well as Basildon College and Sports Hall. Local horse-riders are extremely angry about the proposal : Longwood is ideally situated at present with access to miles of public bridleway, installed decades ago to serve the centre and other local stables.
Objections to the proposal should be sent to: The Chief Planning Officer, Basildon Council, St.Martin’s Square, Basildon SS14 1DL, quoting planning reference :
Land At Nether Mayne Kingswood Basildon Essex SS16 5NL Ref. No: 12/01080/OUT