THE role of Tilbury and wider Thurrock in the development of the planned London Resort complex on the Swanscombe Peninsula is outlined in an application to the government for a Development Consent Order.

If the £3.5 billion scheme gets the green light a new landing stage will be created to the east of the Port of Tilbury which will open up the resort to visitors who arrive by car, train or coach in Thurrock.

The development application says: "Our transport strategy has evolved considerably and our proposals now include land at the Port of Tilbury to allow visitors to arrive by boat, reducing impacts on local roads.

"Transport facilities will be provided on the north side of the river, set over approximately 29.5 hectares of land, on land immediately to the east of the port of Tilbury, with a transport access corridor around the A1089.

"While we are not proposing to develop the whole site within those borders, we are bringing forward a DCO application partly situated within that area."

The resort will be principally based on the Swanscombe Peninsula in North Kent, set over approximately 465 hectares including a new access road to the A2 and access from Ebbsfleet International station.

As part of the process a local consultation will begin on Monday, 27 July and will run until Monday, 21 September.

During this period it will be possible to view details of the project on the London Resort website and make comments. A number of webinar events will take place.

Following the consultation the scheme's backers plan to submit a planning application by the end of 2020 and, provided it is granted, works will start in 2022, with a view to the London Resort opening in 2024.