Thurrock’s Draft Local Plan consultation has now been officially launched, giving everyone in the borough a chance to have their say on proposals for how development will take place in the borough until 2044.
The draft plan sets out where future homes, jobs, infrastructure and community facilities should be located over the next two decades, with only small numbers of new homes built in the first few years of the plan.
Cllr Tom Kelly, Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Environment, said: “The Local Plan guides how development will take place in Thurrock to create a borough that is fit for the future and serves the needs of residents. It is something which Thurrock Council, like all councils, must have.
“While supporting the homes, jobs and infrastructure the borough needs, our Draft Local Plan protects the green spaces, villages and countryside which are such a proud feature of Thurrock. More than half the borough will remain as Green Belt under the draft plan, untouched by anything except nature and remaining for residents to visit and enjoy.
“The six-week consultation is an opportunity for everyone to have their say about the draft plan and have a voice in shaping a future for the borough that means that families have good homes, infrastructure, and access to opportunities to grow and thrive.”
The consultation is available on the council’s website at thurrock.gov.uk/new-local-plan-for-thurrock/local-plan-regulation-19-consultation
The council will also be running a series of drop-in events during the consultation period, which will help residents better understand the plan and give advice and guidance on how to take part and submit their thoughts.
Events will take place at:
- Tuesday 8 September, 1.30pm to 5.30pm, Belhus Library & South Ockendon Centre, Derry Avenue, South Ockendon, RM15 5DX
- Tuesday 15 September, 1pm to 5pm, Chadwell St Mary Library, Brentwood Road, Chadwell St Mary, RM16 4JP
- Wednesday 16 September, 1.30pm to 5.30pm, Lakeside Shopping Centre, West Thurrock Way, West Thurrock, RM20 2ZP
- Thursday 17 September, 2pm to 6pm, Purfleet Community Hub, 53-54 River Court, Centurion Way, Purfleet-on-Thames, RM19 1ZY
- Tuesday 22 September, 3.30pm to 7.30pm, Civic Offices, New Road, Grays, RM17 6SL
- Thursday 24 September, 3pm to 7pm, Tilbury Library & Hub, Civic Square, Tilbury, RM18 8AD
- Wednesday 30 September, 3pm to 7pm, Thameside Complex, Orsett Road, Grays, RM17 5DX
- Thursday 1 October, 10am to 2pm, Aveley Community Hub/Library, Recreation Ground, High Street, Aveley, RM15 4BX
- Tuesday 6 October, 10am to 2pm, Corringham Library, St John's Way, Corringham, SS17 7LJ
- Wednesday 7 October, 1pm to 5pm, Stanford-le-Hope Library, High Street, Stanford-le-Hope, SS17 0HG
The consultation is open until 14 October 2026. After the consultation, the plan and the comments received will be considered by a central government Planning Inspector throughout 2027 and, if approved, adopted by Thurrock Council in 2028.
