Essex haulage jobs under threat, says RHA

The Road Haulage Association (RHA) has told a planning inquiry that more than 100 haulage-related jobs in Essex are under threat if a council refuses permission for a lorry park entrance to be moved.

Firms such as Eddie Stobart, DHL and Chep use the Howard Tenens-owned site in South Ockendon as an operating centre, but Thurrock Council is objecting to plans to move the site's entrance. The RHA says it is situated on a bend in a dangerous location, and that allowing Howard Tenens to build an alternative entrance would "reduce HGV traffic".

RHA senior area manager Pete Butler claims Chep wants to expand its business, but it will be forced to move its base to Kent if planning permission is refused. "I stated the grounds of safety and movement of traffic and the effect on employment," he says.

The inquiry finished on Friday (13 May), but Thurrock Council says it could be some time before the planning inspector makes a decision.

A council spokesman says its objection relates to building on greenbelt land.