Thurrock Hammers Objections to the Arena Essex Planning Application 25/00573/OUT
Publication of Detailed Objections
As previously announced, on 27 August 2025, Thurrock Hammers formally submitted Detailed Objections to the Arena Essex planning application.
At that time, we committed to sharing these Objections once they appeared on the planning portal. We have since contacted the Principal Planning Officer, who has confirmed that, although the details are not yet visible on the Council website, our Objections have been recorded and attached to the appropriate file.
Transparency and Public Access
Given this confirmation, we are now releasing our Objections to the public. This ensures that supporters, interested parties and followers can review the specifics of our position.
Click on a thumbnail below to download and view the Objections and the Appendix
Objections of Thurrock Hammers Limited (35 pages)
Objections of Thurrock Hammers Limited
Retaining Speedway in Thurrock
APPENDIX (128 pages)
A Call to Action
We strongly encourage all campaign supporters, speedway followers and anyone interested in a thorough and fair planning process to participate by submitting comments via the
Planning Application website
Please note that only comments addressing planning reasons will be considered; general statements such as “we want a track” will be ignored and will not assist our case.
How You Can Contribute
To add your comment, please click here to access the comments section of the Arena Essex Planning Application.
You will need to complete a straightforward registration process before you can submit your comments.
To streamline the process, we have created a suggested form of words highlighting key planning points. We urge you to use this template when completing the comment form.
Template for Campaign Supporters planning portal comments
You can download a PDF here or a word document here or simply copy and paste from the list below.
I object to the Arena Essex Planning Application 25/00573/OUT for the following reasons;
1. Inappropriate Green Belt Development
The proposal is inappropriate for the Green Belt, harming openness and character.
Fails to justify the scale and nature of development in this sensitive area.
2. Misuse of ‘Grey Belt’ Classification
Relies on reclassifying land as ‘grey belt’ without meeting the criteria for Previously Developed Land.
Undermines the fundamental purposes of the Green Belt.
3. Loss of Recreational Facilities
No equivalent or improved alternative for the lost Speedway facility.
Contravenes local policy requiring replacement of recreational assets.
4. Failure to Safeguard Sports & Well-being
Does not protect existing leisure and sports facilities.
Ignores the role of Speedway in community health, inclusion, and identity.
5. Non-compliance with National Policy (NPPF 104)
No assessment showing the land is surplus to requirements.
No equivalent or better replacement provision for lost sports land.
6. Ignoring Relevant Planning Precedents
Fails to apply the Coventry Stadium Appeal Decision, which established the requirement for replacement facilities.
7. Inadequate Justification for Loss of Motorsport Heritage
Dismisses Speedway as ‘surplus’ without exploring alternatives.
Proposed replacement is not comparable in character or function.
8. Lack of Community Benefit
No meaningful engagement or compensatory measures for the local community.
Nature trail is not a suitable substitute for a formal sports venue.
9. Misleading Community Consultation
Consultation process ignored strong public support for Speedway.
Fails transparency and inclusivity requirements.
10. Unsubstantiated Economic Benefits
Economic claims (jobs, GVA uplift) lack local guarantees or enforceable commitments.
11. Failure to Follow Local Precedent
Unlike the Aveley Football Club case, no replacement facility is provided before redevelopment.
In accordance with the Aveley Sports and Social Club case, the proposal is inappropriate for the Green Belt.
The Importance of Participation
We call on everyone to let their voices be heard. Active engagement from Campaign supporters has already made a positive impact on both the Thurrock Local Plan process and the Arena Essex consultation.
Our thanks as ever for all of the continued support for our campaign to return speedway to Thurrock.