CONCERNED residents have raised fears Grays could be decimated after plans to build a Morrisons supermarket, petrol station and restaurants near Lakeside shopping centre were approved.

As part of the plans, more than 300 homes will follow, too, on the site known as the Lakside Basin.

The approval came despite “very real concerns” over pollution, transport, school places and the lack of doctors’ surgeries in the area.

Residents are worried the development will mean more shops closing in Grays and even more pressure on services.

The council’s planning committee “reluctantly” approved plans for the borough’s second Morrisons supermarket, to be built within Lakeside’s retail parks.

Councillors were divided over the proposals, which sought full planning permission for the supermarket, but outline permission for the housing.

Writing this week on our website – thurrockgazette.co.uk – ‘Jo19105’ wrote: “They have decimated Grays town centre to make way for Lakeside and are now trying to create a town centre there.

Complete madness! It’s always such a nightmare on the roads at Lakeside now it puts you off going, and as for living bang smack in the middle, I couldn't think of anything worse.”

‘Coddy’ also writing on our website, said: “Once again Thurrock Council planning committee has overruled common sense with stupidity. The whole area will grind to a halt. And all the people who move in can work at Morrisons.”

‘Wobblybob’ wrote: “Well that’s probably the end of Morrisons in Grays then! Remember what happened to B&Q, Currys&M&S. Despite promises new Lakeside stores wouldn’t mean the closure of the branches in Grays, they all closed in quick succession.”

Labour councillor Richard Speight admitted: “There are very real concerns.

But if we refuse and it goes to the Secretary of State or planning inspector at appeal, they will only be looking at the core strategy that we’ve signed up to.

I think that would be a very clear indi-cation as to where they would put their signatures. I’m therefore of the mind to reluctantly support it.”

Robert Ray, Ukip councillor, said: “It’s a good idea. It’s a brownfield site, and we need to build on these sites.”

Yet Facebook user Sarah Brunson Dod wrote: “Keep commercial commercial and residential residential. A huge shopping area at Lakeside should not have housing included.”

Facebook user Julia Donohue wrote: “How about sort the homes that are already built? Sort the community that are already here!”

Final planning for the 320 homes will be decided in the New Year.