Controversial plans for Laindon KFC re-emerge

11:00am Monday 12th November 2012 in News By Chloe Chapman

PLANS for a controversial KFC restaurant and drive-through in Laindon have re-emerged.

Developers Laindon Holdings hope that restricting opening times from 10.30am until midnight, instead of 24 hours as previously suggested, will see Basildon Council grant planning permission.

They refused original proposals for the fast food restaurant on the former Laindon Hotel site, on High Road, following strong objections from residents.

Laindon historian Ken Porter, 68, believes that the time restrictions will do little to change opinion.

He said: “I wouldn’t be happy at all. There would be parking problems for a start and it really is to close to Laindon Community Centre. It’s just not the right place.

“If we could have anything there I would like to see an open park which is linked to the community centre. Even a new shopping centre would be a good idea as the one we already have is awful, but certainly not a KFC. We need something on that site which is really going to benefit the community.”

If given the go-ahead, the 331-square-metre fast food restaurant will provide 40 part-time and 15 full-time positions.

A total of 29 car parking spaces and eight bicycles spots will be included.
In their latest planning application Laindon Holdings revealed that they did consider other sites after their first application was refused, including empty units at Laindon Shopping Centre.

However they were considered unsuitable due re-fit costs, potential future demolition and the lack of drive-through opportunities.

John Dornan, Tory councillor for Laindon Park, said: “Many of the original problems still remain. The site is too small and there are concerns around the rubbish as is normal for these types of establishment.

“We are working hard to get the Laindon Centre regenerated and I would urge KFC to hold on until then. We welcome them but just not at this particular site.

“Personally I think a parade of shops would be more suitable there. I don’t think a fast food restaurant will really benefit the local community.”

Basildon Council are due to make a decision on the proposals by the end of December.

Comments(9)

lawbreaker says...
11:38am Mon 12 Nov 12

Of course it will benefit the community Ken Porter. All people from Laindon are stoners and they will be in there all the time munching away!

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black jack ketchum says...
11:51am Mon 12 Nov 12

Wouldn't feed the meat from a KFC to my dogs let alone eat it myself!

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PJR-121 says...
12:38pm Mon 12 Nov 12

lawbreaker wrote:
Of course it will benefit the community Ken Porter. All people from Laindon are stoners and they will be in there all the time munching away!
I resent that, in fact, I resent anyone who decides that they think they know best when they tar everyone with the same brush.

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Eric Whim says...
12:56pm Mon 12 Nov 12

what Laindon Holdings want, Laindon Holdings usually get.


Family sized buckets all round in the Council tea rooms

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Mixed Pickles says...
2:42pm Mon 12 Nov 12

PJR-121 wrote:
lawbreaker wrote:
Of course it will benefit the community Ken Porter. All people from Laindon are stoners and they will be in there all the time munching away!
I resent that, in fact, I resent anyone who decides that they think they know best when they tar everyone with the same brush.
Well said PJR-121 ! We don't all get the munchies do we ?

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Rollocks says...
4:31pm Mon 12 Nov 12

PJR-121 wrote:
lawbreaker wrote:
Of course it will benefit the community Ken Porter. All people from Laindon are stoners and they will be in there all the time munching away!
I resent that, in fact, I resent anyone who decides that they think they know best when they tar everyone with the same brush.
Yawn!!!!!!

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Steve H says...
5:05pm Mon 12 Nov 12

Who are 'Laindon Holdings'? What else to they have interests in within Laindon? Laindon is a small suburb, not many multi-nationals, I think Toomey is they only big company to come out of Laindon.

I ask as it seems Laindon Holdings may have a friend on the council.

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Steve H says...
5:07pm Mon 12 Nov 12

Ah I have just Googled Laindon Holdings.....

Toomey it is.

Perhaps Mr Toomey wants to return home?

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savvdog whoofwhoof says...
1:25pm Sun 18 Nov 12

Logically i understand the argument of rejecting a KFC at that site in favour of a parade of shops. But logics aside, thinking emotionally, as a huge fan of the secret blend of 11 herbs &spices, i would welcome a KFC thats a stones-throw away from my home. How many years will we have to wait for a shopping parade to materialise there anyway? will the current laindon shops be demolished or not? if so, will it be in our lifetime? Something has to happen to that derelict land sooner rather than later and i wouldnt complain if it was a KFC by the summertime! who cares if its near the community centre, the owners of the community centre dont even want to expand on the tiny gymnasium they have in there! there is potential for expansion within the plot they already have, but they dont even want to knock a wall down, let alone build another floor! theyr not interested. the gym there could potentially draw the main influx of members there. if expanded then it helps the other services they provide. so, unless the community centre shows more ambition, any thinking of them wanting some of that derelict site for parks is nonsense! if a KFC is put there, surely the surrounding area could be used for other shops later on. all this talk is making me hungry!

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