Essex strategies and plans
We work with partners across the wider region of Essex to develop strategies and plans.
South Essex Framework
The Association of South Essex Local Authorities | SEC
Essex Local Nature Recovery Strategy
The Essex Local Nature Recovery Strategy (LNRS) is a strategy that sets priorities and proposals for action to help nature's recovery, and covers the area of Thurrock, Southend-on-Sea and Essex County.
View the strategy and interactive map, visit:
Local Nature Recovery Strategy | Essex County Council
The Nature Recovery Network - GOV.UK
For more information, go to GOV.UK: Local nature recovery strategies.
Greater Essex Spatial Development Strategy
Thurrock Council is currently working in partnership with Essex County Council and Southend on Sea City Council to prepare a Spatial Development Strategy for Greater Essex which covers all three areas.
A Spatial Development Strategy is a new statutory tier of the development plan which was introduced through the Planning and Infrastructure Act 2025.
Spatial Development Strategies will provide a long‑term (20–30 year) spatial framework for growth, infrastructure and investment across areas that extend beyond individual local planning authority boundaries. All areas of England are required to be covered by a Spatial Development Strategy and once adopted, the Spatial Development Strategy will form part of the statutory development plan for that area.