brentwood.gov.uk

Hermes Investment Management is working with local people, the Parish Council and Brentwood Council Officers to develop a masterplan for the eastern portion of the West Horndon Industrial Estate. This work is at an advanced stage and we will submit a planning application shortly.

Hermes recently acquired Threadneedle's interest in the larger estate (the western side). The intention is In time this will also form part of the redevelopment of the whole estate as well. It will be a later phase and the subject of a separate planning application; however, it will follow the design principles established by the masterplan for the eastern side (which is the subject of the planning application referred to).

Whilst Hermes broadly supports the approach set out by the Council, there are significant concerns about the Council's new requirement for provision of Gypsy and Travellers Sites. This has never formed part of the discussion. Both residents and the Parish Council have already expressed their profound concern. Hermes is worried that this proposal may have a substantially negative effect on the valuable working relations that have been built with the local community over the years. Hermes are also concerned about the impact of this proposal on the viability of the whole redevelopment plan for the industrial estate. The proposal has seemingly come out of thin air, with no discussion at all. This is contrary to the advice set out in the Government's "Planning policy for traveller sites" (August 2015).