WARLEY: Housing Developments Answers Sought

With hundreds of new homes planned in Warley, more health and schooling provision is desperately needed to support residents, old and new.

Lib Dem County Councillor David Kendall is demanding answers from Essex County Council (ECC)and the Basildon & Brentwood Clinical Commissioning Group (BBCCG).

The refurbishment of the old Ford HQ into 320 flats and the development of the former staff car park site into 155 dwellings will mean 475 new properties in Warley and potentially 1200 - 1500 new residents. This major influx of residents is going to put immense pressure on local infant and primary school places at Warley County Primary School and Hollytrees and on local GP services at the Beechwood Surgery in Clements Park.

Cllr Kendall has asked:

• ECC to clarify what provision has been made for the extra number of school places that are going to be needed
• ECC to further clarify what financial contributions the developers are going to be making towards supporting the educational needs of existing Warley residents and the new families
• BBCCG if new GP and nursing provision is going to be provided to support so many people moving into the area
• BBCCG to confirm what financial contributions the developers are going to be making to support the health needs of existing Warley residents and the new families.

Cllr Kendall said:

"Our local schools and GP surgery are already under a lot of pressure trying to meet the current needs of the community in Warley. These major new housing developments are going to make this situation much worse. Local residents have a right to know if any major health and education initiatives are in the pipeline to meet the increased demand on local services. I have major concerns that nothing appears to be happening on these two important issues and I am demanding answers and a clear plan of action so that residents know what is happening".

Supporting this move, local resident and activist Martin Cuthbert said:

"As a Warley resident, I know first-hand the challenges families face on school places and how we all struggle to get doctor appointments. I support David's endeavours and hope we have some answers soon".

Cllr David Kendall is County Councillor for Brentwood South (wards of Brentwood South, Brentwood West and Warley) and borough councillor for Pilgrims Hatch. You can contact him at david.kendall@brentwoodlibdems.org.uk

Martin Cuthbert is our candidate for the 2021 Borough Council election for Warley Ward. You can contact him at martin.cuthbert@brentwoodlibdems.org.uk