PLANNING councillors have given the green light to the further expansion of the Port of Tilbury.

At Tuesday evening's (24 February) meeting of Thurrock Council's planning committee approved the proposal for Tilbury 3, despite objections from environmental groups.

Members had received a presentation from Dr Jeremey Dagley, the director of Conservation at Essex Wildlife Trust, which expressed ecological concerns that he said 'remain unresolved'.

Though Dr Dagley failed to appear at the meeting to speak, as expected, his report was submitted. It says: "The Tilbury3 site supports one of the most significant invertebrate assemblages in the UK. Over 1,190 species have been recorded, including 185 that are rare, scarce or threatened - nearly three times the national average.

"This is not a marginal wildlife site; it is a nationally important one.

"The applicants ecological consultants do not dispute this.

"What is disputed is whether the proposed mitigation and compensation strategy is adequate to address such a significant loss, and Essex Wildlife Trust's position is that it is not adequate, not nearly so."

Planning consultant Hardeep Ryatt, spoke on behalf of the port and he and colleagues refuted the assertion that the wildlife mitigation would not be sufficient, referring to plans to move a significant number of animals and fauna to the nearby Mucking wildlife sanctuary and also to other sites across the wider region - though it was accepted they might not all be be local.

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"He said: "On ecology, extensive engagement has ensured that all assessment methodologies are appropriate for this highly industrialised estuary context.

"The project will deliver a minimum 10 per cent biodiversity net gain, sup[ported by a proven compensation strategy at Mucking, already recognised as a nationally important invertebrate site due to earlier enhancements, delivered by the port."

Despite Mr Ryatt's assurances ecological concerns were raised by Cllr Jacqui maney. She pressed port representatives on how they planned to protect wildlife.

In response, Mr Ryatt said the port had "a proven track record" of successfully recreating nationally significant invertebrate habitats elsewhere.

Aside from environmental issues Mr Ryatt told the meeting: "Tilbury3 represents a strategically important, policy supported expansion of one of the UK's most significant ports.

"The proposal sits entirely within the designated Thames Freeport Tax Site, where government policy specifically encourages major investment, regeneration and job creation. It is expected to attract £4.3 billion of private investment, generate 21,000 net jobs and deliver £.5 billion per year across the region by 2045.

"The Tilbury3 site is the operationally viable location for the port's expansion.

"The economic benefits are substantial. During construction the scheme will support over 2,080 full-time equivalent jobs. Once operation Tilbury3 will sustain approximately 11,000 jobs nationwide, including 6,600 jobs locally.

"This level of employment and economic uplift is rare for a single planning application and demonstrates why the Port of Tilbury is recognised as a nationally significant freight and logistics hub.

"A range of planning obligations have been agreed with the council. The port has committed to a construction local employment and skills plan, enhancement scheme to Footpath 146, an heritage enhancement scheme and £359,404 contribution for local skills and support schemes."

Other councillors welcomed the employment opportunities, with Reform councillor Russell Cherry calling the location appropriate for industrial expansion, and Independent councillor Roy Jones praising the port's continual growth, noting the success of Tilbury2.

Councillors voted 7-2 in favour of the application for the new port. The two dissenters were Cllr Maney and Cllr Cathy Sisterson. Those for the scheme were Cllrs Cherry, Jones, Tom Kelly, Sue Shinnick, Mike Fletcher, Aaron Green and Lynda Heath.

After the decision Stuart Wallace, CEO of Forth Ports, said: "This approval marks an important milestone in our long-term investment strategy for the Port of Tilbury, recognising its strategic location serving London and the Southeast.

"The Tilbury3 development is located adjacent to the Lower Thames Crossing northern tunnel junction, with Tilbury becoming one of the best road, rail and sea connected ports in the UK.

"Tilbury3 unlocks the next phase of sustainable growth across our operations, enabling us to expand capacity, meet the needs of our customers and create new market opportunities.

"The development will support existing jobs, create new employment and deliver long‑term economic value, while our habitat creation plans will ensure we continue to protect and enhance the area's natural environment."

David Webster, Regional Director of Port of Tilbury, said: "We welcome Thurrock Council's decision to approve Tilbury3, which represents a significant step in supporting our customers' growth ambitions and strengthening Tilbury's role as one of the UK's best-connected ports.

"The additional capacity, flexible land use and Freeport advantages will allow us to respond to growing market demand and deliver scalable, multi-modal solutions for our customers."