Plan for posh apartments to be binned in wake of outcry
Paul Offord, Echo, 30 April 2009 read article on website

Mail depot may be safe as riverside development is rumoured a 'no go'

CONTROVERSIAL plans to replace Wickford's postal sorting office with luxury flats look set to be shelved.
   It is understood Basildon Council is no longer pursuing a compulsory purchase order to buy the sorting office, in Lower Southend Road.
   The site had been earmarked for demolition, along with surrounding shops, to make way for 173 superior riverside apartments under Wickford's masterplan.
   The plans are strongly opposed by the Wickford Action Group, which claims too many flats have already been built in the town.
   Wickford Action Group chairman Alan Ball, 51, of Cedar Avenue, Wickford, said: "The last thing Wickford needs is to lose an important amenity and have it replaced with unwanted flats.
   "If the compulsory purchase order has been dropped, then it's definitely good news." The council had planned to secure the compulsory purchase order, so Bradgate Developments could start building. But the Lands Tribunal, which oversees compulsory purchase orders, confirmed no order is currently lodged for the Wickford sorting office.
   It is thought this is because private developer Bradgate is struggling to raise enough cash to build the new homes.
   Members of the council's ruling cabinet are staying tight-lipped on the compulsory purchase order.
   Stephen Horgan, cabinet member for regeneration, said: "I really don't want to comment at the moment, because conversations are still on going with Bradgate."
   However, Paul Kirkman, spokesman for Basildon Council's Labour group, said: "It's disappointing if this has fallen through. It seems like a lot of the council's masterplans across the district are experiencing problems."
   Royal Mail announced in January it was formally opposing the plans, as the council had not identified an alternative site.
   Jane Warriner, spokesman for Royal Mail, said: "We cannot comment on the council's plans, but our priority is to deliver a high-quality mail service to customers."
   Bradgate Developments was unavailable-for comment.

'The last thing we need is to lose an amenity and have it replaced with unwanted flats'

£100K AFFORDABLE HOMES BILL UNPAID
The company behind the proposed Riverside Place development still owes Basildon Council £100,000 towards affordable housing elsewhere in the district.
   Bradgate Developments was due to pay by installments £720,000 as part of a legal agreement when planning permission was granted.
   The firm was initially asked to pay about £1.4million, but Bradgate Development's director and Conservative Chelmsford borough councillor Ray Ride, successfully agreed a reduction. 
   The firm has paid some of the money, but was supposed to cough up the next £100,000 by last April.
   Members of Wickford Action Group have been asking the council why it has not been forced to pay up.
   In an email to group member David Harrison, Clive Simpson, council head of planning said:  "Discussions are still taking place with Bradgate to resolve the issue of outstanding payment".
   "It was delayed in starting development through no fault of its making, and is now building during the recession. This meant it has not achieved the projected number of sales, and impacts on company cash flow" He added developers across the country were trying to vary payments due to the recession.

Residents give thumbs-down
THE Wickford Action Group has now collected more than 500 names for a petition against the compulsory purchase order.
   The residents' group believes the council is encouraging too many planning applications for blocks of flats in Wickford.
   It is against proposals to build 172 luxury flats in place of the Royal Mail sorting office, off Lower Southend Road.
   It started a petition, which has already been signed by hundreds of people, calling on the council to drop its compulsory purchase order.
   David Harrison, vice chairman of the Wickford Action Group, said: "We accept the area needs tidying up, but just putting up another block of flats there without making arrangements for an alternative sorting office would be wrong.
   "This is obviously an issue a lot of people feel strongly about."