The Site
Why this site?
Every community – urban and rural – will need publicly available electric vehicle charging stations in the same way that most drivers today need to use garages for petrol and diesel.
Naturalis chose this site in Kirby as it is suitably located next to a vital connection to the National Grid. Without the ability to connect an Eco-Hub to a grid connection, this infrastructure simply doesn’t work.
It is the case that Kirby-le-Soken, Kirby Cross, Frinton-on-Sea and Walton-on-the-Naze will be among the first communities across the UK to benefit from an Eco-Hub, allowing local people to confidently invest in electric vehicles and helping to limit greenhouse gas emissions, reduce local air pollution while having an "enjoyable driving experience" [1].
The development would help ensure that this rural community is not left behind on public electric vehicle charging, which to date has tended to be located in more urban areas.
[1] Chief Executive of the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders, August 2021
Saving the Green Gap
Housing developers want to build on land between Kirby-le-Soken and Kirby Cross, an example of which is the new housing scheme on Halstead Road, in Kirby Cross. Current planning policy and farming have not stopped houses from being built.
Massive housebuilding in the Kirby area could eventually lead to the merging of the communities of Kirby-le-Soken and Kirby Cross in the way that housing has effectively joined together Walton, Frinton and Kirby Cross in recent years.
The location of this Eco-Hub would preserve the Green Gap. It would prevent new homes from being built on 40-50 acres of this sought-after development land during its 40-year life, ensuring Kirby-le-Soken and Kirby Cross remain separate villages with separate identities.
Site Layout Plan
