Plans for containers at Parkeston Railway Club approved

The North Essex Support Team (NEST) charity has been granted permission to have four containers at the Parkeston Railway Club in Hamilton Street. 

In a planning statement, the charity outlined how storage had become an issue in its mission to serve the community. 

“Over recent years NEST has grown, expanding the families that they can help within the local community all facilitated by volunteers.

“The largest restriction now in this provision to the community is sufficient storage for the items donated, where they can be sorted and stored before being given out to the families in greatest need.” 

Working closely with the Railway Club, the charity installed containers, yet it needed permission to continue using them. 

It added: “It is proposed that these containers would remain in situ to facilitate the ongoing work performed by the charity, but it is noted that these are storage containers and would not have any permanent fixings to the site allowing their movement in the future should it be required.” 

Following the proposal, a number of residents raised concerns about the containers being sited in the car park. 

One said: “I do not agree with the siting of these containers in the club's car park that is a facility surely essential to host the large events held at the club on numerous occasions. 

“Parkeston village is already congested and parking for residents limited.

"Taking away this facility will only add to the problem on the roads and additional safety risks to the residents.” 

Despite worries about the loss of parking space at the site, Tendring Council's planning committee was assured that 24 car parking spaces would remain for the use of the club. 

The decision to approve the plans was welcomed by members of the Railway Club, which said it supported the charity’s ambition. 

A spokesman said: “We are really happy to have this resource.

"It is vital that they can continue with their work for the community.”