South Ockendon Council Approves Demolition of Pub for New Flats
Thurrock Council has approved plans to demolish a South Ockendon pub to make way for new flats, despite community concerns about the loss.
South Ockendon, Thurrock, Pub, Flats, Community
South Ockendon: So, the council has finally given the green light to tear down that old pub, the Jack O’Lantern. It’s been a bit of a saga, right? They initially said no to the demolition, but things changed after a fire wrecked the place back in 2020.
This pub, built in the 1950s, is right near homes and shops. The council was all about keeping it as a community spot. But the developers, Burney New Development Ltd, made a strong case that it just wasn’t working anymore. They even brought in experts who said there’s hardly any need for a pub there now.
Some locals weren’t too happy about the decision. They sent in letters expressing worries about parking and the lack of NHS facilities nearby. One resident, Michelle, pointed out that parking is already a nightmare, especially on weekends. She thinks the area could really use a health center instead of more flats.
Despite the community’s concerns, the planning officers noted that the pub had been in bad shape for years and that the market for pubs has really changed. They mentioned that if the previous owner wanted to reopen, they would have done it by now. It’s a tough situation, but it looks like those flats are on their way.