Cabinet has approved a new timetable that will push back adoption of the borough’s Local Plan until early 2028.
All local planning authorities must prepare a Local Plan that sets out a planning framework for their area. It includes how much development should be permitted and how it should be distributed around the borough. By law, it must be used when deciding future planning applications.
The Local Development Scheme (LDS) sets out the timetable for Local Plan adoption. Thurrock Council Cabinet have approved a revised LDS which pushes that back by 18 months, from the original delivery date of June 2026 to the first quarter of 2028.
Cllr Lee Watson, Cabinet member for Good Growth, said: “It is vital that we get this right. The Local Plan sets out exactly how the borough will develop to make sure we are a place that families and communities can grow and flourish.
“It is disappointing that we are having to delay adoption, but in turn delays to a decision on the Lower Thames Crossing, and proposals for changes to the national planning rules and guidance have made it hard to create a Local Plan that we know we can deliver against.
“We owe it to residents to make sure our Local Plan is right for them and the borough, so the best option is to delay adoption, and take the time we need to deliver a plan that we know will be fit for the future.”