Previous Local Plan Stages
Preparation of the Local Plan must follow a number of stages to ensure that local residents, communities and other stakeholders are fully engaged in the process and that its contents are based on robust evidence, testing of alternatives and then examined by an external independent inspector.
Each stage has helped shape and inform the next stage in the process by refining the issues and options that should be covered. They are set out below starting from the most recent stage.
Local Plan- Initial Proposals 2023
Between December 2023 and February 2024, the Council carried out public consultation on the Local Plan Initial Proposals under Regulation 18 of the Town and Country Planning (Local Planning) (England) Regulations 2012.
The Local Plan Initial Proposals document included a vision and strategic priorities as well as initial proposals and alternatives options for how settlements across the borough might grow, change, and adapt up to 2040.
The Initial Proposals document was supported by an Integrated Impact Assessment. Further details of which are on our sustainability appraisals page.
Further information on the consultation, the representations received and how they have influenced the next stage of the Plan are set out within the Local Plan - Initial Proposals (Regulation 18) Consultation Report below.
Design Charettes (Design Workshops) 2019
Between 2019 and 2022 the Council held design workshops in towns and villages across Thurrock so local people could be involved in planning their community's future.
These workshops – called 'design charrettes' – included residents and other local stakeholders such as landowners, community groups and infrastructure providers. Members of the public were welcome to drop-in and take part.
Together we talked in detail about what was important for each local community and what 'good growth' might look like. A range of topics were covered, including transport, health, green spaces and schools.
Design charrette workshops were undertaken with The Prince's Foundation – now called The King's Foundation – at Aveley, Bulphan, Chadwell St Mary, Corringham, East Tilbury, Horndon on the Hill, Orsett, South Ockendon and Stanford-le-Hope.
These locations were chosen because a lot of land is being promoted for development within each area as part of the Local Plan process. The Council wanted a better understanding of the issues and opportunities that might arise from more development in these areas.
Before the workshops communities were invited to fill-in an online survey covering topics like the need for housing, access to jobs, open spaces and ease of movement. After the workshops local people could share their thoughts on high-level sketches that were produced at each workshop.
The findings from this process, including the high-level sketches, are a record of what was discussed and are available to view below.
Issues and Options (Stage 2) 2018
Issues and Options (Stage 2) focussed on seeking the views of Thurrock’s communities, stakeholders and local businesses on how Thurrock should develop and grow in the future and where, in broad terms, new development should be located to meet the identified needs.
The formal consultation on Issues and Options (Stage 2) ran between December 2018 and March 2019. The consultation document is below.
You can view the consultation report below:
Issues and Options (Stage 1) 2016
Issues and Options (Stage 1) focussed on seeking the views of Thurrock’s communities, stakeholders and local businesses on the key issues and themes that the Local Plan should address. The consultation ran between February and April 2016.
You can view the consultation report below: