A MULTI-billion pound theme park scheme that is set to have a massive impact on Thurrock has moved a step nearer becoming reality after the proposal was accepted for examination by the Planning Inspectorate.

That means that in the next 18 months the proposed London Resort to be built on the Swanscombe Peninsula between Gravesend and Dartford will be subject to a detailed examination of the proposal before the government has the final say on the application. The entire process could take up to 18 months to conclude.

There are many ways the £3.5 billion park will impact on Thurrock with Grays expected to be a host terminal for a new fast ferry service from London, large park and ride car parks being established in Tilbury and Kent and the park may be connected to Thurrock via a new tramlink. It is also expected many of the 50,000 jobs expected to be created will be filled by borough residents.

London Resort Company Holdings chief executive PY Gerbeau said: "It's taken an enormous effort from everyone involved to get to where we are.

"I want to thank the home team, our investor, our partners and people who supported us for their dedication and incredible commitment.

"We have always said our ambition is to build much more than just a theme park. It will be a beacon of world class entertainment and experiences within a world-leading sustainable environment.

"We still have a long way to go and we are very much looking forward to working with the Planning Inspectorate over the coming months."

If approved work could start in 2022 and doors to the first parts of the park open to the public in 2024.

News that the first stage of the planning process has been negotiated, MD of the KenEx Tram project, Gordon Pratt, said he and colleagues would be looking to work with the London Resort team to offer a solution to how to move people form one side of the Thames to the other.

He said: "I would like to congratulate the London Resort team on the immense progress they have made in bringing their planning application through to this stage. This is an exciting opportunity for the Thames Gateway region.

"The unique Cross river KenEx tram project continues to progress towards bringing a high-quality transport mode which respects the environment.

"KenEx is in an ideal position to provide the necessary fast and regular connectivity needed by the exciting London Resort development. Trams in places such as Croydon and Manchester have proven to be very popular. Providing a popular solution able to accommodate expected passenger flows, North Kent would benefit significantly from enhanced local transport opportunities, not just for the London Resort but also for local residents."