I attended Castle Point Council’s planning committee when the rebuilding of the Corner Club on Canvey was discussed.

I was amazed at the tactics used by the planners to try to lead councillors into refusing permission to rebuild the club.

The case officer said on more than one occasion the land had been earmarked for housing and that if permission was given, it would lead to increased pressure for greenfield sites to be released for housing development.

As this is a hot topic right now, I feel it was wrong to use this argument, as no other businesses on the site have any intention of selling up. Nor do the owners of the club have any interest in selling the land.

As for flooding concerns, we are told on Canvey we have the best sea defences in the country, plus we would have several hours notice if a flood happened.

I don’t think in that event people would be drinking in the club. They would be leaving the island or making up sandbags.

So well done councillors in allowing the club to rebuild. Common sense prevailed.

Also well done Echo for your coverage of this battle.

Pete Tilden
Southwick Road
Canvey