News | Thurrock Council

Refusal of plans to build 750 new homes on green belt upheld by Secretary of State

16 April 2026

The Secretary of State has upheld a Thurrock Council Planning Committee decision to refuse outline planning permission for a new housing estate on green belt land in Orsett, made by Thurrock Council’s Planning Committee in July 2024.
The developers appealed the decision to refuse outline planning permission to build 750 new homes along with shops and a medical centre on green belt land at Kings Farm, Parkers Farm Road in Orsett, and held a public inquiry on the refusal.

Over 91% of Thurrock primary pupils offered their first preference school

16 April 2026

More than nine in ten children in Thurrock applying for a primary school place this year have been offered their first‑preference school for September.
Of the 2,183 applications received from Thurrock residents, 2,000 children (91.62%) have been offered a place at their first‑choice primary school. Over 98% of applicants have been offered a place at one of their top three preferences.
A total of 123 children (5.63%) were offered their second‑preference school, while 32 children (1.47%) were offered their third preference.

Make your local library part of your Easter fun

1 April 2026

Our libraries have lots of activities to keep the young ones entertained over the Easter period
Check out what your local library is doing:
Every day, during opening times, until Saturday 11 April
Spring Treasure Hunt and colouring, Blackshots Library (during opening times)
Spring Treasure Hunt and colouring, Grays Central Library (during opening times)
Saturday 4 April

Residents shape major improvements to parks and play areas across Thurrock

1 April 2026

Residents across Thurrock are set to benefit from a wide range of park and play area improvements, following extensive community feedback gathered through three public surveys led by Thurrock Council.
Hundreds of responses were received, helping to shape plans that will enhance play, fitness, and accessibility across local green spaces.
Community feedback driving change
Based on residents’ views:

Impulse Leisure donate over 400 Easter eggs to Thurrock’s vulnerable children

31 March 2026

Thurrock’s vulnerable children will be able to enjoy their Easter celebrations with a chocolate egg, thanks to the efforts of Impulse Leisure.
Impulse Leisure has supported local children by collecting and donating over 400 chocolate Easter eggs as part of its Do Good, Feel Good This Easter campaign.
Residents were encouraged to donate medium or larger boxed Easter eggs at Impulse Leisure’s Blackshots, Corringham and Belhus Park sites. In recognition of these donations, the organisation offered discounted joining fees on a range of its fitness, swim and golf memberships.

Notice of Election published

27 March 2026

Thurrock Council has officially published notice of the upcoming local election which will take place on Thursday 7 May.
Elections will be held for all 49 seats and in 20 wards across Thurrock for the first time since 2004, with each ward being represented by either two or three councillors.
This will mean some changes for voters.

Register to vote – have your say on who runs the Council

27 March 2026

Only those registered to vote will be able to vote in the May elections.
If you are not registered to vote, you must apply before midnight on Monday 20 April to be able to take part.
If you receive a polling card, it means you are registered to vote but check the details are correct. Polling cards will arrive from 28 March. If you receive an empty property card instead, or someone in your household who is eligible to vote does not receive a poll card, this indicates no one or not everyone at that address is currently registered.

Dust Hotline to report concerns in Tilbury

26 March 2026

A new 24 hour hotline will give Tilbury residents the opportunity to report issues with dust as they happen.
The hot line, which has been created by Thurrock Council after discussions with Environment Agency, Port of Tilbury and Port Health, will begin operation on Tuesday 7 April.
A spokesperson for Thurrock Council said: “The hotline will enable real time tracking and action to help find and tackle the sources of dust, which we know has been a real issue for those living in Tilbury for some time.

Council house building over the summer

26 March 2026

Work will begin over the next few months transforming disused garage sites at two locations in Thurrock into 13 new affordable council homes.
The new homes, at Chadwell St Mary and Stanford Le Hope, are part of the Council’s commitment to provide new council homes in our communities.
The project in Chadwell St Mary will see a disused garage site on Vigerons Way make way for seven modern, high-quality council homes. Building contractor TJ Evers has been appointed by the council to carry out the work.

Selective Licensing Scheme continues following court ruling to deny second inunction

25 March 2026

Thurrock Council continues to implement its selective licensing scheme after a judge refused the claimant’s second application for an interim injunction to suspend the scheme in clear terms.
Earlier this month a judge already declined permission for a Judicial Review brought by the claimant. The claimant has sought an oral review of that decision but also renewed her application for an injunction to suspend the scheme pending the court hearing.