A MAJOR expansion of port facilities in Tilbury has been recommended for approval and could see it become one of the largest port developments in the country.

The Port of Tilbury scheme, known as Tilbury3, proposes the expansion of port operations onto a 143 acre site between the existing Tilbury2 terminal and the planned Lower Thames Crossing.

Councillors on the planning committee will consider the hybrid application on Tuesday (24 February) but have been recommended to approve it.

Tilbury3 falls within the Thames Freeport zone and is expected to generate significant employment and investment.

If approved, construction could begin later this year, with the port aiming to be fully operational by 2030.

The development includes outline permission for a flexible mix of port related uses, including general industrial and storage buildings, external storage yards, a construction materials and aggregates terminal, and haulier parking.

The detailed element covers the essential infrastructure needed to open up the site – a new internal road network, rail terminal linked to Tilbury2, utilities, drainage works, land regrading and ecological mitigation.

An environmental statement assessing the plans concludes that impacts can be "fully and acceptably mitigated".

advertisement

Officers say the statement has undergone extensive consultation with statutory bodies and technical authorities, and that concerns raised have been addressed through additional information and a substantial set of planning conditions.

A key issue is the land is within the green belt. Part of the eastern site lies within the designation, but officers argue the area functions as "grey belt" due to its heavy industrial legacy linked to the former Tilbury B Power Station.

They say the land does not strongly contribute to traditional green belt purposes.

Planning officers conclude the scheme meets the National Planning Policy Framework's tests for grey belt development, noting its strategic importance, sustainable location within an established freight corridor and alignment with national ports policy. They add that even if green belt policy applied, the project's "clear and compelling" economic benefits would amount to the very special circumstances needed to justify approval.

Public consultation drew support, citing job creation and economic growth, but objections raised concerns about habitat loss, wildlife impacts and increased industrial activity.

The application is recommended for approval subject to planning conditions and a Section 106 agreement.