Private recreational facilities
In addition to impacting special category land, the new road would also affect a number of private recreational facilities, such as sports clubs and fishing lakes.
We propose to either acquire all or part of these sites (or rights over these sites) or use the areas temporarily to build the new road, or the sites may be affected by the project’s construction activities and are located outside of the Order Limits.
We have reported how our proposals affect private recreational facilities at previous consultations. At the community impacts consultation, we provided an update on our plans at three sites where our design had changed.
Since then, only our proposals at Linford Allotments have been refined for this consultation.
Linford Allotments
This is located off Lower Crescent in Linford.
Impact on the land: Linford Allotments is located within the Order Limits, and we propose to take temporary possession of the site for the construction of utility works.
Since the community impacts consultation, our utilities design has changed slightly in this location. We are proposing to divert both existing overhead electricity powerlines onto a temporary alignment over the allotments, and then back to the existing alignment permanently after the works are complete. Please see the Muckingford Road electricity works change on the North of the river in Havering, Thurrock and Essex.
This would result in a temporary impact on the use of the allotments during construction, including restriction on the use of the site during the works. These works would be similar in nature to those undertaken for the routine operation and maintenance of the existing utilities assets in this location. This would not prevent the existing use of the allotments following the completion of works.
Engaging with landowners
Since the community impacts consultation, we have continued to engage with landowners near the project. Although there are no new material impacts on these sites, the facilities below have been highlighted through ongoing engagement and project development, so we are taking the opportunity to provide information related to them.
Condovers Scout Activity Centre
This is located between East and West Tilbury. It provides holiday facilities, as well as space for camping.
Impact on the land: A small section (approximately 150 square metres) of the site in the south-west corner is needed temporarily during construction for water utility connection works. The working area for the utility works is largely located outside of the site and would not affect its existing operation. The works will not impact the use of the activity centre.
East Tilbury and Linford (ETL) Gun Club
This is a private clay pigeon shooting club located in Linford. The site is also used by an air rifle club, East Tilbury and Linford Field Target Club.
Impact on the land: Part of the site is needed to install a new overhead electricity power line. This would involve vegetation clearance in the north-east of the site, and restrictions during construction. Permanent rights would be required in this area for the operation and maintenance of the power line.
We are engaging with the occupants to support their continued operation during the construction and operation of the LTC.
Foxhound Riding School
This is located to the north of the A13, east of Baker Street. It provides equestrian facilities including an indoor school and jumping field.
Impact on the land: We propose to acquire a small part of the site currently used by Foxhound Riding School alongside the A13. The site is accessed from Baker Street, which we propose to use to access the main and utilities working areas during construction.
The site may experience temporary impacts during construction, such as noise disturbance, because of its proximity to the project. We are working with Foxhound Riding School to support their continued operation during this period.
Moat Lake (end of Church Lane) Fishing Lake
This is a privately owned fishing lake let out to fishing clubs.
Impact on the land: This lake is not within our Order Limits, however the project is proposing to improve the access used for this lake. While there will not be any direct impact on the operation of the lake, we are also proposing to move the M25 compound to the south of the fishing lake. We are currently in ongoing discussions with the landowner.
Wild Thyme Outdoors, Wilderness
This is a privately owned woodland that is used to provide outdoor foraging and education services, with activities primarily for children.
Impact on the land: The project would impact on the operation of the existing recreational facilities at The Wilderness, as the new road would be constructed in a section of the site preventing operations. We are currently in ongoing discussions with the landowner and the operator to explore solutions for addressing this impact.
InFitness Gym, Franks Farm
This is a privately owned gym that operates within Franks Farm.
Impact on the land: This site is located outside of the Order Limits, however the access from the south is inside the Order Limits for the purposes of utilities diversion works. Access to the gym would be maintained at all times.
It is not expected that the operation of the gym would be affected, although the outdoor area to the north may have access restricted during the construction period. We are currently in ongoing discussions with the landowner and operator. Please see the refinement to electricity diversion north of St Mary’s Lane change on the North of the river in Havering, Thurrock and Essex page.
Manor Farm Reservoir Fishing Lake
This is a privately owned fishing lake let out to fishing clubs.
Impact on the land: We propose to permanently install bat boxes on the existing lakeside trees around the lake. This would require permanent rights for the monitoring and maintenance of this mitigation. We do not expect these works to affect the use of the fishing lake or cause disruption to its users. We are currently in ongoing discussions with the landowner.
Hobb’s Hole Fishing Lake
This is a privately owned fishing lake let out to fishing clubs.
Impact on the land: Excluding the access this site is located outside of the Order Limits. However, it would be surrounded by the proposed replacement land for the Thames Chase Community Forest. The site could continue to be used for the purposes of fishing although the access arrangements may change. We are currently in ongoing discussions with the landowner to explore solutions for addressing this impact.