The Local Development Framework is part of a new development plan system introduced by the Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act 2004. Under this new legislation Structure Plans, Local Plans and Unitary Development Plans will be replaced by new types of development plan. At the regional level there will be a Regional Spatial Strategy for the East of England. At local level there will be a portfolio of statutory and non-statutory Local Development Documents known collectively as a Local Development Framework (LDF). The development plans contained in the LDF will set out the policies and proposals to guide the development and use of land in the borough up to 2021.

More information on the Local Development Framework.

Core Strategy and Policies for Management of Development
Publication of a Development Plan Document (DPD)
Proposed Submission Draft

The Core Strategy and Policies for Management of Development - Proposed Submission Draft and accompanying Sustainability Appraisal is now available for representation to determine the legal compliance and soundness - see guidance notes (PDF 104.8kB) for definitions - of the Core Strategy. The representations received will be considered alongside the Submitted Core Strategy, which will be examined by a Planning Inspector.

Representation should be made during the six-week period from Friday 26 February 2010 to be received no later than 5pm on Friday 9 April 2010. All representations should be made either online or by using the appropriate response form (downloaded from this web site or obtainable by request).

Please note that late representations may not be considered.

Minerals and waste site allocations and policies for control of development issues and options - Development Plan Document (DPD) public participation (Regulation 25)

The consultation on Minerals and Waste Site Allocations and Policies for Control of Development Plan Document - Issues and Options and the accompanying 'Assessment of Thurrock Minerals and Waste Sites' has now ended.
All responses are currently being analysed.

The Local Development Scheme

The first stage in the preparation of the Local Development Framework is the Local Development Scheme (LDS). This was approved by the Secretary of State in April 2005. It is a project plan that identifies the development plans the Council will prepare and sets out the timescales for their production. The Scheme also identifies the policies in the adopted Borough Local Plan (1997) and adopted Essex First Review Minerals Plan (1996) that will remain "saved" policies for at least three years until replaced by policies in the new development plan documents.

Statement of Community Involvement (SCI)

The Statement of Community Involvement (SCI) sets out Thurrock Council's policy for involving the community in the preparation and revision of local development documents and consultation on planning applications. It has been prepared with contributions and involvement from Councillors, individual residents, voluntary and community groups, local businesses and a range of interested organisations. This document provides information and guidance on the issues of consultation and involvement.

Core Strategy and Policies for Control of Development (DPD)

The Core Strategy and Policies for Control of Development sets out a spatial vision, objectives and strategy for the development of the Thurrock area and a framework for development control, minerals and waste. This Development Plan Document (DPD) will guide the change, growth and development in Thurrock needed to make the area a good place to live and work.

Analysis of Responses - March 2007

This document provides information of the findings received during consultation on the Core Strategy Issues and Options document that took place during July and August 2006. It outlines the key issues that need to be addressed, as well as responses to the suggested spatial objectives and spatial options.
Analysis of Responses - March 2007 (PDF 1.7MB)
[ see how to access PDF files ]

Site Specific Allocations and Policies (DPD)

This Site Specific Allocations and Policies document sets out detailed site allocations and policies for new development. It is important because it underpins the delivery of the Core Strategy.

Sustainability Appraisal/Strategic Environmental Assessment

The planning policies and proposals in the Local Development Framework (LDF) documents should contribute to the objectives of sustainable development. Under the Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act and Regulations, Local Planning authorities are required to undertake Sustainability Appraisal for each of their Development Plan Documents (DPDs) and Supplemental Planning Documents (SPDs). The first stage of the Sustainability Appraisal included the production of the Scoping Report in October 2005. This set out the framework and method for appraising plans. The Council has also published an Interim Sustainability Appraisal for the two Issues and Options planning documents that were published in July 2006. Full information can be found on the Sustainability Appraisal/Strategic Environmental Assessment page.

Strategic Housing Land Availability Assessment (SHLAA)

Thurrock Council commissioned Tribal Urban Studio with CB Richard Ellis to undertake a Strategic Housing Land Availability Assessment (SHLAA) for the period 2008-2031. The primary role of the SHLAA is to: identify sites with potential for housing over a 15 year period; assist in demonstrating a continuous five year supply of housing land; assess whether sites can be delivered and developed. Full information can be found on the Strategic Housing Land Availability Assessment page.

Technical Studies

Approximately twenty new or additional studies will provide the evidence base for Local Development Documents. The majority of these studies are being prepared and are due to be completed during 2006. The studies that have been completed to date are provided below.

[ see how to access PDF files ]

The Development Plan for Thurrock

The Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act 2004 provides for the saving of policies in adopted local plans for a period of 3 years from the commencement date of the Act which was 28 September 2004.

Policies in adopted or approved plans expire on 27 September 2007 unless the Secretary of State extends such policies beyond that date (Planning and Compulsory purchase Act 2004; Schedule 8 (1(3)).

The Secretary of State has made a direction to save specific policies beyond the three year period which are listed in Schedule 1 attached to the Direction, as linked below:

Direction Under Paragraph 1(3) Of Schedule 8 to the Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act 2004:
Policies contained in Thurrock Borough Local Plan Adopted 1997 (PDF 19kB)

[ see how to access PDF files ]

The Thurrock Borough Local Plan was adopted by the Council in September 1997 and provided the Council's policies and proposals for land use in Thurrock up until 2001. Although the end date of the Plan has passed, it currently forms part of the development plan for Thurrock, (in combination with Essex Structure Plan and Essex Minerals Local Plan, prepared by Essex County Council) and provides the basis for decisions on land use planning.

The Thurrock Unitary Development Plan was placed on deposit on 28th March 2003. This is a single plan document that was intended to replace the Local Plan, detailing how the Council thinks that the Borough ought to develop up to 2016. Following the Thurrock Council Cabinet decision of 15th September 2004, the Council has suspended any further work on the Unitary Development Plan. The Thurrock deposit UDP has not however been formally withdrawn at this stage.

Contact information

If you require any further information please contact the Council's Strategic Planning Team.

Address:	Strategic Planning Team Regulatory Services Thurrock Council Civic Offices New Road Grays Essex RM17 6SL
Telephone:	01375 652291 (General Enquiries)
Fax:	01375 652713
Email:	strategic.planning@thurrock.gov.uk

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Strategic Planning

The Local Development Framework

Core Strategy and Policies for Management of DevelopmentPublication of a Development Plan Document (DPD)Proposed Submission Draft