Over the last few weeks Jon Cruddas MP has been contacted by concerned residents in Mark's Gate regarding ongoing development works around the Billet Road area. Resident's of Coral Close and Uplands Road allege that Redbridge Council failed to consult ahead of a large residential development being approved in 2018 which is now having serious implications on noise levels, traffic congestion, air quality and the environment.
Jon Cruddas has now contacted the Operational Director of Housing at Redbridge Council for clarity on the situation, and in support of residents asking for regular updates.
Some of the key concerns which Jon has raised related to out of hours working, the erection and use of floodlighting at night, pest control as a result of ground disturbance, road congestion and the impact on biodiversity and the environment.
Jon said: "it is vital that with any project of this size, the existing community is brought along with the process and on this occasion, it seems residents have been left in the dark and I have sought clarity on why that is. I also raised all of the concerns that residents have shared with me and will stay on this until we get a satisfactory outcome. I plan to liaise with the council and developers to ensure that proper mitigation is put in place so that this has as little negative impact on the surrounding roads as possible moving forward."
In the letter Jon quotes the Draft London Plan which stipulates greenbelt land should not be built on unless exceptional circumstances are met, asking what led to such as scheme gaining approval.
Many of the emails from residents outlined a concern for the environment and biodiversity in the area and Jon has asked for a summary of the Environmental Impact Assessment.
Jon added: "I have sent the council a comprehensive list of queries, and will be sending out a survey to all the residents in the roads concerned to get a better sense of the situation. When I have a response from Redbridge Council I will keep my constituents updated."