THE owners of 40 horses have just one day to find new homes for their beloved animals before an equestrian centre is cleared to make way for a controversial housing development.

Basildon Council insists it is very close to securing a deal on a new site for Longwood Equestrian Centre, based on the Dry Street wildlife haven, in Langdon Hills. But campaigners say it is too late.

The lease on the facility is due to run out in two weeks, but people who rent out the stables have been told they need to be out by Saturday.

Campaigner Danny Lovey, of Basildon’s Green Action Group, said: “What is going to happen to the 40 horses kept at the stables at Longwood? Are the bailiffs going to march them out one by one? The problem is there aren’t any stables within a ten-mile radius to take them in.

“Even if a new site is found soon, it’s still too late because they will have to get planning permission, and these things take a long time to go through.’’ A horse rider, who did not want to be named, added: “Forty horses need to get out of Longwood, but there aren’t 40 stables free in the area to put them in.

“It’s getting to crisis point. All of these people have got 24 hours to get out.

“If the bailiffs can find space for 40 places then we’re happy to pay the rent.’’ Campaigners fighting the development of 725 homes, shops and a primary school lost their bid for a second judicial review in November, meaning there is now nothing barring work starting.

As part of a section 106 agreement, the Homes and Communities Agency, which is leading the development, was ordered to pay Basildon Council £500,000 for a new centre in the borough – but promises failed to materialise.

Geoff Williams, Lib Dem councillor for Nethermayne, said: “I think the challenge will be ensuring the horse-riding community has the same level of access to bridleways that the existing site does. It’s not a very satisfactory situation.’’

Firm signs contracts to start building

DEVELOPER Redrow Homes has signed contracts to begin building the controversial Dry Street housing estate.

The Homes and Communities Agency announced in 2013 the firm, which has a regional office at Southfields Business Park, in Laindon, was its preferred partner.

Outline planning permission for 725 homes was granted in 2013, and Redrow is expected to submit a detailed application later this year for the first phase of the development.

Keith Parrett, the firm’s regional chief executive, said: “We are delighted to have signed contracts and formalised our role as the development partner enabling us to bring muchneeded new housing to the area.

“This location has great potential for a sustainable new neighbourhood, which would make a considerable contribution to meeting local housing needs and have a strong emphasis on quality family homes.”

The development, including a new school and shops, will fund the relocation of South Essex College from Nethermayne to the market site in Basildon town centre. The market will move to St Martin’s Square.

The agency’s Mike Goulding said: “Redrow Homes has an impressive track record of house building and we are delighted to have signed contracts with them to provide these homes and related facilities.

“Our role is to release Government land for homes and this development is a good example of how we can do that working with the public and private sectors. With wider community benefits, this endeavour should see future and existing residents benefit.’’