There are currently a number of significant development proposals being promoted in and around West Horndon, spanning both the Brentwood and Thurrock Council administrative areas.
As these are separate schemes being considered through different planning processes and by different authorities, it is important to distinguish between them.
1. Horndon Rise (Brentwood Borough Council)
Horndon Rise (planning application reference 26/00400/OUT) is an outline planning application submitted to Brentwood Borough Council for land north-west of West Horndon, south of the A127 and east of Childerditch Lane.
The application seeks permission for up to 1,025 homes together with affordable housing, employment space, a primary school, local centre, sports facilities and associated infrastructure.
The application was validated by Brentwood Borough Council in April 2026 and remains under consideration.
Brentwood Borough Council is the determining local planning authority and will consider the application through its established planning process, taking account of consultation responses and all material planning considerations before reaching a decision.
2. Horndon St Marys (Thurrock Council)
Horndon St Marys (planning application reference 24/01051/OUT) is a separate outline planning application located within Thurrock, immediately south of West Horndon Station.
The application proposes up to 2,100 homes, affordable housing, education facilities, employment space, community uses, open space and associated infrastructure.
The application was considered by Thurrock Council's Planning Committee and, in February 2026, the Committee resolved to grant planning permission subject to completion of a Section 106 legal agreement.
The Council is now progressing the necessary legal processes associated with implementing the February 2026 Planning Committee decision.
Wider Growth in the Area
In addition to these two planning applications, there are other growth proposals being promoted across the wider area, including developments within neighbouring authority boundaries such as Dunton Hills Garden Village in Brentwood Borough.
These proposals are being progressed through their own planning and plan-making processes and should not be regarded as a single development scheme. Different authorities are responsible for considering and determining proposals within their respective administrative areas.
What decisions can still be made?
The Horndon Rise application remains under active consideration by Brentwood Borough Council and no decision has yet been made on the proposal.
The Horndon St Marys application has already been considered by Thurrock Council's Planning Committee, which resolved to grant planning permission in February 2026, subject to completion of the Section 106 agreement. The Council's current role is to complete the necessary legal processes associated with implementing that resolution.
As with all planning applications, decisions are made in accordance with the statutory planning process and are based on the planning merits of the individual proposal, relevant development plan policies and other material planning considerations.
Infrastructure and Community Impact
While these schemes are separate, it is recognised that growth across the wider area may place additional demand on transport infrastructure, public services and community facilities.
These matters are considered through the relevant planning application processes, supported by technical evidence and consultation with statutory bodies, infrastructure providers and other stakeholders.