A NEW report shows that Thurrock is the top region outside London for rising property values – though the same survey shows that it's also one of the most places in the country to get planning permission for new homes.

The survey, commissioned by plumbing and heating suppliers Plumbnation, shows that house prices in Thurrock have risen by 76.47% over the last decade. The current average price of a home in the borough is £300,000.

The survey's homebuilders' report also compares the performance levels of local authorities in granting planning permission – and Thurrock fares badly against most others in the region – and across the country. It does do better than many London boroughs, where getting planning permission has proved even more difficult.

Curtis Johnson, sales manager at leading Thurrock estate agents Griffin says there are a number of factors that have both hindered and then boosted local house prices – and he believes that the trend upwards will continue

He told Thurrock Nub News: "Here in Thurrock, we have seen projected increases blown out year after year!

"We can put this down to number of things happening in any the area, including the expansion of Tilbury Docks which in turn has caused expansion on surrounding roads, the competitive price of land despite being just outside London has cause countless new builds to pop up, and the evident accessibility of the town with a great support network of main roads, Q2 bridge allowing access to Kent and c2c train line (still voted the best in the UK!)

"And yet, there is still great optimism that the market will continue to grow fast in Thurrock as there is so much still going on.

The latest plans include a regeneration of Purfleet-on-Thames, with 20,000 homes, schools and a high street in development. Tilbury, as previously mentioned, has aimed to become the biggest docks in Europe and with this, many businesses have situated on the river front including most recent the internet giants, Amazon.

"Aveley, South Ockendon and West Thurrock have all seen 100s of homes go up over the last 10 years, and they are not finished, the latest development "Renovo" is currently in phase two with Bellway and is situated on the edge of Lakeside Retail Park.

"Big things are still to come for the future of Thurrock."