PLANS are moving on apace for the proposed new 'London Resort' leisure site which will be built on the Swanscombe Peninsula on the Thames opposite Tilbury and Grays.

The huge new development - described as the UK equivalent of Disneyland - has been almost a decade in the planning and there have been many false dawns.

In 2012, plans were announced to build a large entertainment complex ton open in 2020 and include a huge indoor water park, attractions, rides, theatres, event space, hotels, restaurants and even a science and education centre.

But the past seven years have brought significant challenges for the resort's backers.

Confirmed submission of a 300-page Environmental Scoping report by 12th June

Written to the Community Liaison Group to help share information about the project

London Resort's Chief Executive PY Gerbeau, added: "The team have been immense, working incredibly hard during these awful times.

"I joined just under a year ago and we are always being asked to hurry up.

"Well, I am happy to tell you we have made strong progress and these reports are hugely important. This is a significant step in transforming an amazing and ambitious dream into reality.

"We obviously can't hold a public consultation in the normal way – but we will make sure we reach out to local residents and businesses as well as the wider community and stakeholders.

"We are talking to Government about how we will be using digital technology, websites, video conferences and online Question and Answer Sessions."

The resort is expected to create many thousands of jobs, many of them likely to be filled by Thurrock residents and there have been many schemes planned to ensure that the resort can be accessed across the Thames from Thurrock - including a new tram link under the river.