The Consultation Process

Hickfort Ltd is committed to consultation with the local community and stakeholders. By engaging Green Issues to act as a third party on this project it has opened up a vital process of consultation and dialogue, increasing understanding and ensuring the best results for all parties.

Hickfort is also encouraging participation in Castle Point Borough Council's Local Development Framework process, in particular the Core Strategy and Generic Development Control Policies Preferred Options Report, which is currently subject to public consultation until 10 November 2006.

To date, Green Issues has consulted with a number of key stakeholders to discover their views and provide them with the latest information on the project. Those consulted so far include a local school, a residents association, sports clubs, councillors and regional bodies. A survey of all occupants of the Manor Trading Estate has also taken place.

As a direct result of this consultation, a number of changes have been made to the outlined scheme. These include:

- The repositioning of a large roundabout and realignment of a highway following consultation with Benfleet Football Club
-The re-routing of the bus only route and repositioning of the junction onto Church Road to improve safety for Robert Drake Primary School
-The pledge to provide new security fences around Woodside Cemetery
-Increased landscaping along the western border of Woodside Cemetery

There are a number of other suggestions and comments that have been made which Hickfort is looking at in more detail.

These plans are in their early stages and the consultation taking place is an ongoing process which aims to encourage input and participation. This exhibition is just one part of that process.