PLANS for a major new residential development, more than half the size of Chadwell St Mary, have been sprung on Thurrock Council, which will have to give its view on a scheme for 1,500 new homes to build to the east of the town - and slotting in close to an already approved scheme for up to 1,000 new homes in Linford and East Tilbury.

The scheme has been detailed by Bloor Homes, who have applied for an EIA Scoping Opinion for residential development for up to '1,500 dwellings, a primary school, retail floor space and healthcare floor space as part of a mixed-use neighbourhood centre with hot food takeaway and a drinking establishment'.

A scoping opinion is a formal written statement from the relevant planning authority, Thurrock Council, that outlines the scope and level of detail it requires for a full planning application.

Almost invariably, scoping requests are followed by submission of a bid to build!

A scoping application seeks only the council's opinion and the public and local residents cannot offer theur view on the record.

The request comes with a 350 page report from the applicants, with location maps, and outline details and huge amounts of statistical information.

It can be read, in full, via this link.

The scheme does offer variants depending on what eventually happens with the Lower Thames Crossing – which was given the green light by the government yesterday (Tuesday, 25 March), the day after the new application was published.

The planned new development will effectively extend Chadwell St Mary eastwards – towards the planned new 830-1,000 home development already given permission to the west of Linford and East Tilbury. Thurrock Council was by-passed in that decision, with the government giving approval following a planning hearing in November.

The latest application has already sparked concern from East Tilbury councillor Fraser Massey, who was devastated with the government's decision in November – saying it was the 'nail in the coffin of Thurrock's green belt'.

A number of big applications have been submitted since, with decisions due on a 750 home proposal for Orsett airfield, around 2,000 homes being planned between Bulphan and West Horndon, more than 500 on the table in a proposal for Corringham – with another 320 earmarked for a neighbouring development.

Cllr Massey told Nub News this evening: "Although this is for scoping opinion application, the sheer size of these plans with 1,500 homes are hot on the heels of the Lower Thames Crossing Government decision.

"If this is taken forward and approved, then it would be built out alongside the Lower Thames Crossing, pylons from Tilbury to Norwich, more than 1,000 homes already approved by the Government in Linford and East Tilbury, Tilbury3 is preparing to expand, and DP World London Gateway will shortly be adding two new berths as part of its expansion.

"All of these together will cause complete chaos on the local road network which is already struggling.

"It will cause real suffering for residents in this half of the Borough who have already had so much HGV traffic and industry, landfill and quarrying over decades. Services are already stretched and more construction will put further strain upon them.

"A full planning application is likely to follow this proposal by Bloor. Sadly, residents don't get a formal say on that but I am sure there are many people who will want to comment.

"Myself and local councillors, including – I hope - those in Chadwell, will be looking at ways to get local voices heard in the first instance.

"And there will be the chance to comment on the full application when the developers submit it.

"This is nearly all greenbelt land and when it is gone, it is gone forever."