THURROCK'S new and long-awaited local plan may have to wait a little longer to come to fruition after a council bungle.

The last plan effectively expired ten years ago and planning has been in a limbo state since, with developers taking advantage of successive administrations' inability to get to grips with producing a new one.

It was hoped that a definitive document might be available early in 2028, following publication of a draft proposal for consultation, which was due to end last week.

However, the deadline for submission of public opinion has now been put back.

Thurrock Council has announced it has extended consultation until midnight on Tuesday, 10 November 2026.

An updated version of the Thurrock Local Plan Habitat Regulations Assessment (HRA) has been published following the identification of an error in the previously published document.

To ensure anyone wishing to comment on the updated HRA is able to do so, the consultation has been extended by three weeks. The extension will also give anyone wishing to respond to the Draft Local Plan additional time to submit representations if they wish.

Officers have reviewed the remaining consultation documents and can confirm that no further issues have been identified.

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Around 700 representations have already been received since the consultation opened, with residents, businesses, community groups and other stakeholders sharing their views on the Draft Local Plan.

A council spokesperson said: "We are committed to ensuring the consultation process is fair, open and transparent.

"Following the identification of an error in the previously published Habitat Regulations Assessment, we have updated the document and extended the consultation period to give residents and stakeholders additional time to review the information and have their say.

"We would like to thank everyone who has already taken part in the consultation and encourage anyone who has not yet responded to do so before the new closing date."

The Draft Local Plan sets out how development could take place across Thurrock up to 2044, including proposals for housing, employment, infrastructure and community facilities.

All representations received during the consultation period will be submitted to an independent Planning Inspector as part of the examination of the Local Plan. The Inspector will consider all comments when assessing whether the plan is legally compliant and sound. The consultation and examination process follows the statutory Local Plan process set out by government.