THE loved “green lung” of Wickford is set to be protected from development forever as the council make a £2,000 application to keep the land as open space.

The Wick Green has been subject to many plans over the years, but the most recent, for a care home, was scrapped in May following campaigning. A hotel plan had also been previously put forward.

Wickford SOS group, which have been protesting about the developments for almost three years, are celebrating the victory.

Basildon’s Tories have now promised the passionate group they would protect the land from any further development in years to come.

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Basildon Council is set to make a £2,000 application for a Deed of Dedication, which would dedicate the land as a “green space for good”.

Yvonne Childs, 67, part of the Wickford SOS group, which held protests and launched petitions to protect the land, said: “We’re absolutely delighted.

“As far as we know, the land will be protected forever.

“All our campaign work has come to fruition. It’s great news.

“We still want to be involved in the next steps for the land.

“We’ve always said we want the Wick to be for nature, and pollination seems to be next.

“The Wick missed out as part of the council’s pollination programme, and we want it to be included.

“We couldn’t be more delighted.”

If accepted, a ceremony will be held at the Wick to unveil a new plaque.

The Deed of Dedication would take the land out of council control, making it impossible to sell the land to developers, the Echo understands.

Paul Brace, director of community and environment, recommends that councillors approve the application at a meeting on Thursday.

Council documents read: “The open space is highly valued by residents and this site has been identified as being an important community asset.

“Development on the land is not supported and does not meet the current ambitions of the new administration, by dedicating this land as a Field in Trust, it will remain as open space in perpetuity.

“Upon completion, there will be an opportunity for a community event and plaque unveiling to promote and celebrate the protected status.”