FUEL giant Shell has given more details of its plan to seek permission to build houses on a substantial swathe of land between Stanford-le-Hope and Corringham.

Thurrock Nub news reported in January on news that Shell were looking to dispose of land which they own but no longer want to use – and it is more than was first thought and could see new homes built on both sides of the Manorway and adjacent to Rainbow Lane in Stanford.

It is not likely that anything will happen quickly as Shell say they want to work in conjunction with Thurrock Council's local plan which is not likely to be compiled and published until late 2023 or even 2024.

Shell used to run the massive Shell Haven oil refinery, which preceded the DP World London Gateway which Shell sold. They still have an aviation fuel terminal by the Thames and pipelines that run to several airports but they have now decided to offload other land in the area that they own.

That includes land currently leased for agricultural use and football pitches used by Corringham athletic youth football club.

In a statement on its website Shell says it is exploring options with Thurrock Council for a "possible change of use to some of its land in the Corringham area which could could make it available for housing in the future."

Shell go on to add: "At this stage, there are no fixed plans for the site. Shell is keen to understand the views of the local community and the council.

"We will be engaging with those in the nearby community to better understand how they could be affected and welcome input from anyone in the area. If you would like to ask a question, or share an opinion, please use the feedback form on the website.

"We are at early stages of indicating the availability of the land to Thurrock Council as a potential local plan allocation. This would allow for a future 'change of use' of the land (indicated on the map) from greenbelt to residential. This is not a planning application but is instead being suggested as part of the Council's emerging Local Plan preparation.

"It is greenbelt land which is currently used for agriculture and sports use. Those using the land have been informed of our plans and we will continue to keep them updated.

"The land is no longer required for our operations in the area. We may choose to sell the land at a future date and the 'change of use' would support that.

"There is no target date for the sale. It is unlikely that this would progress until after we've explored the 'change of use'. If we proceed with the proposal our request would be submitted to Thurrock Council for their consideration as part of their local plan.

"This will look at a number of factors including whether there is any need for additional housing, where it is best located in the area, the need for other land uses including employment for example, and opportunities for community uses or enhancement to existing facilities, amongst other factors.

"Shell is not planning to develop the land ourselves. How the land will be used in the future will be determined through the local plan process."