Thurrock Borough Council

Draft

THURROCK BOROUGH COUNCIL

DRAFT STATEMENT OF COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT

(REGULATION 26)

PLANNING AND COMPULSORY PURCHASE ACT 2004

Draft Statement of Community Involvement

CONTENTS PAGE NO.

Part One - STATEMENT OF COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT (SCI) Introduction 2 What is the Statement of Community Involvement 2 Why should you get Involved 2 Why does the Council want your involvement 2 Preparation of the SCI 3

Part Two - THE LOCAL DEVELOPMENT FRAMEWORK What is the Local Development Framework 5 Development Plan Documents 6 Supplementary Planning Guidance 7 Planning Briefs and Master Plans 7

Part Three - THE APPROACH TO CONSULTATION How does the SCI relate to other Council Strategies 8 The Council's Consultation Policy 8 The Community Strategy 10 The Council's Priorities 10 Community Governance 12 Joint Working and Partnership 12 Voluntary Compact 12 Diversity Issues 13 Hard to Reach Groups 13 Freedom of Information/Data Protection 14 Principles of Community Involvement in Planning 14

Part Four - INVOLVEMENT IN DEVELOPMENT PLAN DOCUMENTS Identifying who needs to be involved 15 Stages of DPD/SPD preparation 15 Methods of Consultation 18 Stages of DPD/SPD Consultation and involvement 21 Sustainability Appraisal/Strategic Environmental Assessment 24

Part Five - CONSULTATION ON PLANNING APPLICATIONS Determination of Planning Applications 25 Methods of Consultation 25 (Incl Arrangements with Development Corporation)

Part Six - RESOURCES AND MANAGEMENT 27

APPENDICES A – STATUTORY CONSULTEES 28 B – GENERIC CONSULTEE LIST 29 C - LDS TIMETABLE 31 D – RESPONSE TO REG 25 QUESTIONNAIRE 32 E – CONSULTATION LOCATIONS 34 F – THURROCK THAMES GATEWAY 35 DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION.

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PART ONE - STATEMENT OF COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT

Introduction

1.1 Thurrock Council is beginning work on its Local Development Framework. This is the name for a range of documents which will shape the proposals and land uses and policies of the Council (refer to Part 2). It will replace the existing adopted Thurrock Borough Plan (1997) which is the current statutory plan. We would very much welcome your involvement in producing the Thurrock Local Development Framework.

1.2 The Council is also reviewing how we consult on planning applications.

What is the Statement of Community Involvement ?

1.3 This document sets out Thurrock Council’s policy for involving the community in the preparation and revision of local development documents and consultation on planning applications. It is called a Statement of Community Involvement (SCI). This document is being prepared by the in consultation with Councillors, key stakeholders and the public. The Council is interested in your views on how to engage and consult people in the planning process. This document should provide appropriate information and guidance on issues of consultation and involvement.

Why should you get involved and the role of the Community

1.4 Getting involved in the planning process can occur in a number of different ways and we are keen to ensure that we engage with you in the best way possible. By being involved you or your organisation will help shape the Council’s planning policies and help decide where development should and should not go. You can help shape Thurrock for the future.

Why does the Council want your involvement?

1.5 The Council believes that community involvement is critical to the success of its planning policies and proposals. We believe that everyone who would like to participate in the planning process should be given an opportunity to do so.

1.6 By getting involved the Council believes that this adds value to its policies and proposals. It helps us to produce plans and policies that better reflect the aspirations, concerns, needs and views of our community. It will enable people to have a better understanding of the planning process and how it affects them. It will enable the Council to draw on a wider pool of knowledge and expertise. We hope it will reduce conflict and controversy about policies and proposals. It will enable us to target resources better and be more effective.

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Preparing the Statement of Community Involvement

1.7 The Council is at the second stage (Production) in the preparation of the Statement of Community Involvement (SCI). Previously the Council has undertaken informal consultation of key organisations, stakeholders and groups using a questionnaire leaflet. The views about the preferred options for consultation and participation are summarised in Appendix D.

Statement of Community Involvement process.

1.8 The views of the public in the Council's customer satisfaction survey, and the Council's Corporate approach to consultation and participation have also been considered in preparation of this document together with examples of good practice by the Council and other stakeholders.

1.9 This draft Statement of Community Involvement will be made available for public consultation (Regulation 26) for a period of six weeks. Details of the consultation will be publicised in the local press, on the Council website (www.thurrock.gov.uk/planning/strategic) and by poster in Council offices and public libraries listed in Appendix E.

1.10 Key partners such as the Thurrock Local Strategic Partnership – “Shaping Thurrock”, the Thurrock Thames Gateway Development Corporation and local community groups and forums will also be consulted on the draft proposals.

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1.11 During the consultation period letters inviting comments will also be sent to a wide range of other local and national organisations and individuals and companies who have previously commented on planning documents and applications.

1.12 Copies of this document will be sent electronically by e-mail and CD-Rom versions can be made available. People can send comments on this document in writing or electronically and using the appropriate comment form to the Strategic Planning Team as detailed below or via the website (www.thurrock.gov.uk/planning/strategic).

1.13 At the end of this consultation period all comments received will be considered and changes made to the document if appropriate. The Council will then submit the final document to an Inspector appointed by the Secretary of State. There will be a further six week public consultation period (Regulation 28) after which a Planning Inspector appointed by the Secretary of State will consider any outstanding objections and assess the soundness of the Statement of Community Involvement. The criteria for assessing the Soundness of the plan can be found in Paragraph 4.6.

1.14 The Planning Inspector would publish a binding report detailing any changes required to the Statement of Community Involvement and Thurrock Council will be required to make amendments and publish them together with the Planning Inspector's report and adoption statement in paper and on the website.

1.15 The progress on the preparation of the Statement of Community Involvement and any requirement for a review will be identified in the Council’s Annual Monitoring Report (refer to Part 2). Any review of the SCI will be subject to consultation as set out in this document.

Strategic Planning Department Sustainable Communities Thurrock Borough Council Civic Offices New Road Grays Essex RM17 6SL

[email protected]

www.thurrock.gov.uk/planning/strategic

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PART TWO - THE LOCAL DEVELOPMENT FRAMEWORK

What is the Local Development Framework?

2.1 The Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act 2004 introduced a new system for the preparation of development plans in England. The government has introduced the reforms:

1 To speed up preparation of plans 2 To ensure that plans are monitored and reviewed and kept up to date, and 3 To achieve more effective involvement with the community.

2.2 The new development plan system introduces some brand new terms and procedures. This is explained in this section.

The Local Development Framework [LDF] is the portfolio of Local Development Documents for the Council’s area. Imagine a filing cabinet or folder with lots of different documents in it.

The first stage is the Local Development Scheme (LDS). This is a programme for the preparation of the new Local Development Documents.

There are two types of Local Development Document [LDD]:

1 Development Plan Documents [DPD]. These will be subject to independent testing and once agreed will have statutory development plan status.

2 Supplementary Planning Documents [SPD]. These are not subject to independent testing and will not have statutory development plan status. They must however be subject to rigorous procedures of community involvement.

2.3 There are two other features of the new system:

The proposals and policies in the Council’s development plan documents will be subject to Sustainability Appraisal (SA) and Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA). This is to ensure that they reflect the principles of sustainable development. Sustainability Appraisal/Strategic Environmental Assessment of DPDs will be subject to formal consultation stages (refer Part 4).

The Council must produce an Annual Monitoring Report [AMR]. This will review progress in the previous 12 months in terms of production of local development documents and the implementation of policies.

Source : ODPM Creating Local Development Frameworks A Companion Guide to PPS12 Draft Statement of Community Involvement

Core Strategy Local Development Statement of Annual Monitoring Scheme Community Involvement Report

Site Specific Allocatinons S T N

Regional E

Spatial M Adopted Proposals U Map Local Strategy C Development O D

Framework N A L n P a

l Area Action T P

t Plans E n e M P m O p L o l E e

V Supplementary LDDs v E e Other Development Planning SPDs D D Plan Documents Documents e h T

KEY Based on : ODPM Planning Policy Statement 12 : Local Required Optional Project Plan Development Frameworks

2.4 The Council’s Local Development Framework [LDF] will cover the period 2001–2021. Full details of the content and programme for the production of each of these documents can be found in the Council’s Local Development Scheme that was approved by the Secretary of State in April 2005. The LDS and all other available LDF documents can be viewed at (www.thurrock.gov.uk/planning/strategic) or for inspection at the Council offices.

Development Plan Documents

2.5 The LDF will consist of six Development Plan Documents (DPDs). The first two development plan documents will be the Core Strategy and Site Specific Allocations and Policies DPDs. These will be separate but nevertheless inter linked documents. They will form the bedrock of the Council’s planning strategy and policies for the whole of its administrative area. National planning policy and Regional Spatial Strategy for the East of England [RSS14] set the strategic context for these documents. Thurrock’s programme closely follows that for the preparation of RSS14. The timetable envisages that the Core Strategy and the Site Specific Allocations and policies Development plan Documents will be prepared in parallel. This is because of the urgent need to make provision for additional housing and employment land in accordance with draft East of England Plan (RSS 14).

2.6 Thurrock Council also proposes development plan documents in respect of the Policies for the Control of Development and Minerals and Waste. These two plans would also be borough wide and developed in parallel but slightly later than the Core Strategy DPD.

2.7 Area Action Plans will also be prepared for two sub-areas of the borough. These will be areas of significant change in the period up to 2021. The Purfleet Area Action Plan will reflect advice in draft RSS 14. The

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Lakeside Area Action Plan will deal with an area of the borough where there will be further growth and major upgrading of infrastructure provision. A significant element of the programmed housing and employment growth is likely to occur in these areas. In addition there will be major regeneration initiatives. The Thurrock Thames Gateway Development Corporation will commit resources to assist in the preparation of the Area Action Plans with the Council.

2.8 The Council will work in partnership with the Thurrock Thames Gateway Development Corporation (www.thurrocktgdc.org.uk) throughout the preparation of these and other related development plan documents. At this stage no other statutory development plan documents are proposed. The Council will review the programme again in 2006, in particular the need for any additional Area Action Plans.

Supplementary Planning Documents

2.9 Four non-statutory Supplementary Planning Documents will be prepared. These are:

Affordable Housing SPD - will set out the detailed requirements for the delivery of affordable housing in the borough.

Green Grid SPD - will focus on the delivery of the Green Grid strategy and set out the various standards and requirements for open space provision and the arrangements for the management of these areas.

Developer Contributions SPD - will provide a clear and transparent explanation of the Council’s approach.

Development Control SPD - will explain the detail of the Council’s development control policies and standards.

Planning Briefs and Master Plans

2.10 The Council may also prepare Planning Briefs and Master Plans for development sites in the borough. In addition, the Council is considering the need for interim guidance on planning agreements. In such cases the Council will follow the procedure for the preparation of Supplementary Planning Documents and will formally amend the Local Development Scheme when this happens.

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PART THREE - THE APPROACH TO CONSULTATION

How does this document link with other Council initiatives and the Community Strategy?

3.1 Thurrock Council is committed to consultation with the community and stakeholders who provide services. By doing so we can be sure that our priorities for service delivery are the right ones and that we make the most of opportunities for everybody to be involved. We can also be more confident that we are addressing the social, economic and environmental needs of the community and accounting for the services we provide.

3.2 Thurrock Council provides a range of different services and has many strategies, plans and publications to deliver them. The key plans and strategies include can be found on the Council website (www.thurrock.gov.uk/I-know) and in the Council main offices with some documents also available in local libraries. You may have already been involved or seen other Council strategies and documents that ask for your views and give you an opportunity to participate in shaping other Council initiatives.

3.3 Many of the plans are developed and written in partnership with other local organisations including the 'Shaping Thurrock' the Local Strategic Partnership, other key stakeholders and community groups and the recently established Thurrock Thames Gateway Development Corporation.

3.4 The Council's current policy is set out below in 3.5. However, the Council is currently reviewing its approach to consultation and is to provide a more comprehensive Community Consultation Strategy that enshrines good practice procedures and minimum standards for all services.

The Council’s Consultation Policy

3.5 The Council has adopted the following principles: 1 Consultation will be undertaken not only because we are required to do so by the government, but because we value the opinions of our community, our partners and our colleagues. 2 We will meet all statutory requirements to carry out consultation, and in addition to this we will consult and involve customers and service users when we are making decisions that affect the public, changing services or developing new services. 3 Information about planned consultation and the results of consultation will be coordinated corporately. The benefits of this information are that areas of duplication/cross-over can be identified and joint working proposed, and information/results from similar consultations previously

8 Draft Statement of Community Involvement carried out can be shared. This has the potential to help us to streamline our consultation activity and to avoid consultation overload and consultation fatigue. 4 Centralising information about planned consultation and the results of consultation will enable us to work effectively with partner organisations and Thurrock's Local Strategic Partnership, working together and sharing information and results where relevant. 5 In practice this will mean that all departments will prepare a programme for involving and consulting the community/service users as part of their annual service plan. 6 By planning consultation as far as possible through the service planning process, directorate sign-up (in terms of officers and lead members) and the consideration of resource implications will be ensured. Departments will be responsible for providing key information about planned consultations and make the links with council priorities and key strategies (including community development, best value, social inclusion, diversity etc). 7 Using this information, a timetable of major consultations for each municipal year will be co-ordinated corporately, constantly updated and available on the intranet. This will enable us to make the most effective use of the Citizens Panel. 8 Whenever we consult we will use clear, jargon-free language. We will be clear about the purpose of the consultation, and what we are intending to do with the results. This will have an impact on the consultation methodology we select. 9 When planning consultation, we will ensure that we select the most appropriate consultation methodology, that we consult with and involve the most appropriate group(s) of people, and that we consider the best arrangements for carrying out the consultation (including whether to procure a consultation service or use in-house expertise). A "Consultation Toolkit" is being developed to help services with all aspects of planning and carrying out consultation. 10 When we receive the results of a consultation exercise we will not only feedback to consultees, but we will also identify the changes that we need to make as a result of the opinions we have received. 11 Results of consultations carried out will be published on the Intranet to enable the results to be fed into the decision making process by making them accessible to Cabinet, Corporate Management Team, Overview and Scrutiny and the community involvement board of the Local Strategic Partnership. 12 The results of consultation, including the outcomes of consultation will also be collated and published as part of our annual Best Value Performance Plan and published on a more regular basis where appropriate.

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13 Each time we consult, we will ensure that we evaluate what we have done, so that as an organisation we can continually learn from the consultation we carry out. This Involvement & Consultation Strategy will also be subject to scrutiny and evaluation.

Community Strategy – ‘Shaping Thurrock’

3.6 Thurrock’s Community Strategy sets out a shared vision of the sort of place local people want Thurrock to be. It is a vision based on what local people have told the Local Strategic Partnership -‘Shaping Thurrock,’ of which the Council is a key partner, about of the things they want to see happen to change Thurrock for the better (www.thurrock-community.org.uk/lsp.)

The vision is that “Thurrock should be a place for enterprise and skills which builds on the heritage and prosperity of the River Thames and welcomes new opportunities for trade. It will be a place where people feel included and where our diverse communities can build a safe, healthy, vibrant area in which they are proud to live, work, play and learn.

3.7 The Strategy sets out six key themes to meet its ambitions:

1 Aspirational Thurrock 2 Safer Thurrock 3 Prosperous Thurrock 4 Inclusive Thurrock 5 Regenerated Thurrock 6 Energetic and Healthier Thurrock

3.8 The Local Strategic Partnership are currently refreshing the Community Strategy and the revised strategy will be subject to public consultation and participation.

Council’s Priorities

3.9 The Council has focused on putting resources into four strategic organisational priorities that reflect the ambitions of the Community Strategy, which are translated into clear policy objectives, service plans and performance indicators. They also reflect the national policy agenda - such as sustainable communities and the national / local shared priorities - and they articulate how we deliver the national agenda locally.

3.10 In order to achieve these priorities, the Council recognises the need to improve the management of its finances and systems to support the whole Council, and its assets. Through the development of a Strategic Services Partnership with Vertex the Council seeks to achieve maximum flexibility and efficiency, ensuring we are in a position to meet the future needs of local residents. The Council regard this as being of such importance that it has established a fifth organisational priority which addresses the way it does business to ensure it can deliver the other priorities.

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3.11 Great importance is attached by the Council on trying to understand what matters most to local people, groups and neighbourhoods and engage service users and other stakeholders, including hard to reach groups, in the design, delivery and evaluation of customer focused services.

3.12 The organisational priorities are: Delivering excellence and achieving value for money 1 Improving our business processes to work as one council 2 Improving value for money Children, young people and lifelong learning 1 Improving educational attainment 2 Improving lifelong learning 3 Improving the life chances of young people Safer environment 1 Tackling crime 2 Tacking anti-social behaviour and helping people to feel safe 3 Tackling drug, alcohol and substance misuse Including people 1 Promoting independence 2 Promoting inclusion 3 Promoting participation Cleaner and greener environment 1 Creating a built environment that meets people's needs 2 Creating an attractive environment

3.13 There are around 145,000 people in Thurrock and this is likely to increase by 24,000 people over the next 20 years. To be an effective provider of services we want and need local people to tell us what we do well, what we don't do well and to tell us their views on how we can improve our services.

3.14 How well the Council delivers its services depends on how good we are at both consulting and feeding back what we have learnt and how we then use what we learn to improve. The Council uses performance indicators to measure community wellbeing. In December 2003, 15% of local people told us that they felt that they could influence what we do as a Council - in December 2004 this went up to 21%.

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3.16 Furthermore, we use consultation as a way of determining whether our priorities are being achieved and whether proposed future priorities remain appropriate. Changes to priorities and a shift in resources can occur as a result of our response to consultations.

3.17 To ensure the Council provides a focus to deliver and match resources with priorities, it has developed a long term vision - known as Destination 2012 - for each priority which sets out where we want Thurrock to be by 2012. These priorities are in turn reflected in the Service Plans at Directorate, Departmental and team level so that the key principle of community engagement and participation is reflected throughout the Council's service delivery.

Community Governance

3.18 Thurrock Council has a key role in consulting and involving the community and demonstrating community leadership. The Council is currently reviewing its formal involvement with community groups and other partners. At the same time the Local Strategic Partnership has recently reviewed its structure which includes the setting up a dedicated group called the Community Involvement Partnership Board (CIPB). This particular group will work closely with the Council on consultation matters. The Council is also considering a more active role for a Youth Cabinet in consultation and engagement matters.

Joint Working and Partnerships

3.19 A key issue for the Council is working jointly on consultation with partners such as the Local Strategic partnership and Thurrock Thames Gateway Development Corporation to avoid consultation fatigue and gain the benefit from reduced cost. Thurrock Council’s strategic partner Vertex also has clear links to corporate consultations, customer service and performance data connected to users views.

3.20 The Council has set up a Corporate Consultation Working Group (CCWG) which has as part of its role working closely with the LSP and Vertex on consultation, the coordination and monitoring of Council consultation and the scrutiny of consultation strategy, good practice and performance. Planners are represented and input on this working group.

Voluntary Compact

3.21 This is an agreement between Thurrock Council, Thurrock Primary Care Trust and other partnership boards and the voluntary community sector to improve joint working relationships for the benefit of all communities in Thurrock.

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3.22 The vision of Thurrock’s Compact is to recognise voluntary and community action as an essential component of society that contributes to the social, cultural, economic and democratic life of Thurrock. An independent, economically viable and diverse voluntary and community sector is essential to the well being of society and there is added value in working in effective partnerships towards common aims that improve the quality of life for people in Thurrock.

Diversity Issues

3.23 The Council is committed to diversity and maximising social inclusion to ensure that everybody is treated fairly and has access to services. The existing Diversity Strategy has key elements relevant to consultation and planning:  Working in partnership with all communities in Thurrock to ensure they are fully involved in democratic decision making processes;  Opposing all forms of prejudicial discrimination on the grounds of age, disability, ethnic origin, nationality, gender, religious belief, HIV or other medical status, social or economic status, marital status, sexuality or trade union membership;  Ensuring all council services (and information about them) are available to, and shaped to meet the different needs of all our Borough’s communities. Also, that users are involved in the design and development of those services;  Promoting diversity and fighting intolerance through our work with all our partners in the public, voluntary community, independent and private sectors, locally and regionally;  Implementation of this policy by all members and employees;  Ensuring regular and effective monitoring and review of the implementation of this policy so that we make a difference and continuously improve our equalities practice.

3.24 There are also key pieces of government legislation such as the Race Relations Act and Disabled and the Disability Discrimination Act. This legislation underpins the local commitment to make services accessible and to engage with all of the community. An example is a key commitment of the Council during 2005-6 is to ensure that satisfaction surveys are undertaken seek the views of black and minority ethnic groups and disabled people.

Hard to Reach Groups

3.25 Some groups in the community have been historically known as “hard to reach”. One aim of developing the new consultation strategy will be a commitment to identifying hard to reach champions to guide us on how to best consult targeted groups. Some Council services have already promoted readers groups for consultation.

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Freedom of Information/Data Protection

3.26 Access to information is important to ensure that people can be kept well informed and have meaningful input into the decision-making process. The Council’s Freedom of Information Policy is available for inspection (www.thurrock.gov.uk/foi). The Council will also seek to ensure that appropriate safeguards are in place to protect personal information in accordance with the statutory requirements of Data Protection Act.

Principles of Community Involvement in Planning

3.27 The recent government changes to the planning system seek to make community engagement and participation at the centre of the planning process. The Council propose the following principles for community involvement that would become adopted as part of the Statement of Community Involvement and included in future Action and Service Plans.

Thurrock Council has developed the following principles of community involvement in the planning process;

1 Consultation methods are appropriate to the stage of plan process and target groups;

2 Use of a variety of techniques which are accessible and attractive to all sectors of the community;

3 Helping to build capacity within communities so that they are able to participate effectively;

4 Being transparent and easily understood;

5 Involving people at the earliest possible stage so they have the opportunity to participate and shape the policies rather than being presented with a fait accompli;

6 Being accountable and feeding back to the communities;

7 Developing/fostering partnerships;

8 When appropriate to undertake joint consultation to avoid over consultation and reduce cost.

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PART FOUR - INVOLVEMENT IN DEVELOPMENT PLAN DOCUMENTS

Identifying who needs to be involved

4.1 Thurrock Council intends to involve the community at an early stage in the preparation of its local development documents. This will help to foster local ownership and legitimacy for the proposals and policies that will shape Thurrock in the future. A list of the types of groups to be consulted can be found at Appendix A and B.

Stages of the Development Plan Preparation

Evidence Gathering

Prepare issues and alternative options in consultation Reg25

Public participation on preferred options Reg26

Representations on preferred t

l n

options a

e Reg27 s i m a e r v p l p o Preparation of Submission A v

DPD y I t

i l y i t i b n a u n i m a

Submission of DPD Reg28 t m s o u C S

Representations on Submitted DPD Reg29

n o i t a p i Pre examination meeting c i t r a p

d n a

Independent Examination n n o o i i t t a a t n n i e s m e a r x Binding Report p e

e n R I

Adoption

Monitoring and Review

4.2 The above diagram illustrates the four stages in the production of development plan documents. These are:

4.3 Pre-production – the main activities are survey and evidence gathering and Sustainability Appraisal Scoping Report. A number of technical background studies have been commissioned and when completed will be available to inspect at the Council offices or to view on the Council’s website (www.thurrock.gov./planning/strategic).

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4.4 Consultants have been engaged to carry out the Sustainability Appraisal (SA) of the various development plan documents. So far the Scoping Report has been completed and adopted following consultation with selected stakeholders.

4.5 Production – for each development plan document the Council will carry out the following linked steps in accordance with regulations:

 Preparation of Issues and alternative Options and the initial Sustainability Appraisal report. Local communities and stakeholders will be consulted on the development of these issues and options on a continuous basis as required by Regulation 25.  Preparation of the Preferred Options document(s) and formal sustainability report. These will set out the Council’s suggested policy directions together with relevant issues, proposals and alternative approaches where these are appropriate. The formal sustainability report will consider the likely effects of the preferred options and the other options considered.  Public participation on the preferred options document(s) and accompanying formal Sustainability Appraisal report. This is a formal opportunity to comment at a key stage on the various options and alternatives proposed. Regulation 26 requires this stage and the consultation period will be 6 weeks in each case.  Assessment of representations to the preferred options document and the formal sustainability report as required by Regulation 27.  Preparation of the submission development plan documents(s) and any amendments to the sustainability report. At this stage each development plan document will include proposals for monitoring and reviewing the document. Regulation 28 with 6 weeks consultation.

4.6 Examination – each development plan document will be submitted to the Secretary of State for independent examination. The examination will test the soundness of each document. A development plan document will be sound if it meets the following tests: Procedural i. It has been prepared in accordance with the local development scheme; ii. It has been prepared in compliance with the statement of community involvement; iii. The plan and its policies have been subjected to sustainability appraisal; Conformity iv. It is a spatial plan which is consistent with national planning policy and in general conformity with the regional spatial strategy

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for the region or, in London, the spatial development strategy and it has properly had regard to any other relevant plans, policies and strategies relating to the area or to adjoining areas; v. It has had regard to the authority's community strategy; Coherence, consistency and effectiveness vi. The strategies/policies/allocations in the plan are coherent and consistent within and between development plan documents prepared by the authority and by neighbouring authorities, where cross boundary issues are relevant; vii. The strategies/policies/allocations represent the most appropriate in all the circumstances, having considered the relevant alternatives, and they are founded on a robust and credible evidence base; viii. There are clear mechanisms for implementation and monitoring; and ix. The plan is reasonably flexible to enable it to deal with changing circumstances.

4.7 Adoption – following the examination, the Inspector’s Report will set out recommendations for changes to each development plan document which will be binding upon the Council. Once the Council has integrated the changes, it will adopt the development plan document and incorporate it into the local Development framework. Once each document has been adopted a statement of how the sustainability appraisal process –‘The Environment Report’ has been taken into account will be made available to the public.

4.8 In relation to Supplementary Planning Documents the Council will informally involve local communities and stakeholders in the development of policies. In accordance with Regulation 17 the Council will publish the draft documents both as hard copy and electronically for formal public consultation and will invite representations over a six-week period. A final appraisal of its sustainability and a statement of conformity will accompany each supplementary planning document.

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Methods of Consultation – Proposed Approach and Process

4.9 Earlier this year a leaflet was sent to all statutory consultees together with all stakeholders listed on the Council’s database seeking their views on how they wish to become involved with the Council throughout the various stages of LDF preparation. This was part of the Regulation 25 informal consultation. The comments received are set out in Appendix D and the principle groups with their preferred options summarised in the table below.

Group Response Business Groups 23 questionnaires were returned and 22 In favour of the email consultation (15%) and businesses (96%) made a response on the use of the web (12.4%), along with letters consultation methods. (11.8%). Specific Consultees/ National Agencies 20 questionnaires were returned and all of In favour principally of letters (31.25%), email these consultees made a response on (22.2%) and use of the web (19.1%). consultation methods. Individuals 21 questionnaires were returned and 19 In favour of using the range of consultation individuals (90.5%) responded on methods in particular the use of the web consultation methods. (9%), exhibitions (8.1%) and email (8%). Landowners/ Developers 20 questionnaires were returned and all of In favour of the use of the web (14.6%) and these consultees made a response on email (11.3%). consultation methods. Community/ Religious/ Ethnic/ Disabled/ Equality 17 questionnaires were returned and all of In favour of using the range of consultation these consultees made a response on methods especially the use of email (11.3%) consultation methods. Forums (9.3%) and Meetings (9.1%). Other 64 questionnaires were returned and 62 In favour of using email (12.3%), media (96.9%) made a response on consultation (12.3%), the use of the web (12%) and letters methods. (11.7%), alongside a variety of consultation methods.

4.10 Main feedback from questionnaire survey was that electronic (e-mail and website most popular) followed by letters. Certain groups of stakeholders such as developers and government agencies had a preference for electronic methods while community groups favoured meetings and leaflets/brochures as well.

4.11 In addition to completing the table in Appendix D some consultees responded with additional comments. These mainly related to detail about methods covered in the table but also suggested additional contacts and the issues of: - Providing large print copies; - Providing presentations at local forum meetings; - Including information/updates in other partners newsletters/brochures; - Joint consultation and using other organisations consultation network.

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4.12 We would like you to let us know whether we are taking the right approach?

The table overleaf sets out the Council’s preferred options for the methods of consultation. This is based upon feedback from the earlier stage, appropriateness in relation to the stage and availability of resources. Different methods will be used at different stages of plan preparation and will vary according to the group to be consulted.

4.13 In addition to the proposed methods table, set out below is some general information about the way we propose to carry out consultation. The next section indicates in detail the consultation stages in relation to development plans.

Making Comments People will be able to make comments on development plans at the appropriate stages of consultation in writing, email or by website. Comments should be on forms provided together with contact details.

Planning Documents The plans and technical studies described in this document will be made available at the various stages in paper, electronic and cd-rom version if requested. The documents will also be made available on the Council website.

Inspection Locations The locations for inspection of various development plans are listed in Appendix E. We are interested in suggestions for other locations such as community centres, village halls and supermarkets ?

Diversity Issues In accordance with the Directorate Diversity Plan future documents and leaflets will be available in large print and Braille versions on request. We will continue to provide document translation service with language templates on all documents and also provide translation language line service. A hearing loop system is provided in the Council’s Environmental Service Reception and elsewhere in the Civic Office.

Hard to Reach Groups We intend to build upon and improve our contact and engagement with the following groups who have not been well represented in past consultations: - Youth and the elderly - Black and ethnic minorities - Gypsies and Travelling Show People

Development Plans and I.T. We propose to make the new development plans including the Proposal Maps more interactive on the website in the future as part of good practice in e-government. The Council is also investigating the use of SMS text as a future consultation method.

19 Draft Statement of Community Involvement

Preferred Consultation Methods

Statement Of Development Supplementary Sustainability Community Plan Planning Appraisal Involvement Documents Documents

Postal surveys/questionnaires  

Telephone surveys

Exhibitions/displays/roadshows     Leaflets/brochures     Public meetings in area/town or   village

Interactive workshops     Area based forums for local people     Documents on Thurrock Council’s     website and opportunity to comment electronically

Media e.g. supplement in local   press, radio, tv etc

Documents available for inspection     at Council Offices and other locations for a set time period

Email alert when a new document     is published for comment and opportunity to comment electronically

Formal letter    

Hotline

One to one meetings with selected    Stakeholders

Focus groups/citizen panels with  selected or random participants

20 Draft Statement of Community Involvement

Stages of Development Plan Consultation

Pre-Production Stage

4.14 In relation to the background technical studies the Council have used surveys, questionnaires, workshops and public meetings to engage with community groups and other stakeholders. In addition partners, stakeholders and community forums have been co-opted on to the steering groups for some of the technical studies.

4.15 The Council has established a Local Development Framework Working Group of Members to support the portfolio holder in the preparation of the LDF. This group has regular meetings with officers to discuss the background technical studies and other evidence and to agree each stage of development plan preparation. The LDF Working Group also monitors and comments on the preparation of the Statement of Community Involvement and response to consultations.

Production Stage

4.16 At this stage the Council will prepare an Issues and Options Report and the Preferred Options Report.

Issues and Options Report

4.17 The Council will identify an initial list of the key issues facing the borough and the Council’s LDF Working Group will consider the issues and options in order to be able to contribute to the debate. The Council will arrange a series of informal meetings with specific and general consultees together with other key groups as necessary. The Council would prepare an Issues and Options Report for 6 weeks consultation. The report would be considered by Cabinet before release.

The consultation process for the Issues and Options reports would involve the following:

 Advertisements and media release to the press stating key issues and how to inspect and respond to the documents;

 Formal letters to those statutory consultees and groups and individuals identified on the development plan database;

 Documents for inspection at agreed locations, the Council offices and website together with relevant response forms;

 A summary leaflet to all households and business in the borough as a wrap on the local newspaper. Other newsletters and leaflets;

 Meetings with local forums and also public on some key issues;

21 Draft Statement of Community Involvement

 Exhibitions and displays around the borough.

The LDF Working Group will consider the responses and the Council will publish a summary of Consultation.

The Preferred Options Report

4.18 The feedback from the previous stage will be used to inform the further consideration and preparation of the Preferred Options report for each Development Plan Document. Each document will be considered and approved by the Full Council before being placed on deposit for 6 weeks formal consultation. Supporting documents and the draft Sustainability Appraisal will also be published. At this stage all of the consultation bodies and groups identified in the Regulations together with all the local groups and organizations identified on the Council’s database and the public in general will have the opportunity to comment on the preferred options being put forward. [Regulation 26].

The consultation process will involve the following.

. Statutory advertisements in the local press as required by the Regulations stating where and when the document can be inspected, how to make representations, where to send them and the closing date.

. Formal consultation letters to all the statutory consultees identified in the Regulations and all the specific and general groups, community and business organisations and other interested parties as identified on the Council’s database.

. Electronic copies of the document and any supporting documents plus the draft Sustainability Appraisal will be available for inspection on the Council’s website (www.thurrock.gov.uk/planning/strategic) An electronic form for representations on the development plan document will also be available on the website.

. Copies of documents can also be downloaded from the above website or emailed on request. Hard copies will be sent to specific groups and organisations and the statutory consultees. The Council will not make a charge for either hard copies or electronic copies of documents associated with this stage of formal consultation.

. A summary leaflet will be distributed to every household and business in the borough as an insert to the Council’s newspaper.

. The Council will organise a programme of meetings with community organisations, business organisations and other key stakeholders to explain the development plan document and answer questions and queries.

22 Draft Statement of Community Involvement

4.19 At the end of the six week consultation period all of the representations will be fully considered by the Council and changes made to the development plan document. The Council’s response to the issues raised in representations will be fed back to individual respondents. In addition all of the representations received together with the Council response will be published on the Council website (www.thurrock.gov.uk/planning/strategic) and placed on deposit at the locations used during the formal consultation period.

4.20 Wherever possible the Council will hold discussions with particular groups and organisations to try to resolve any outstanding issues or concerns. The Council will approve, following careful consideration of all the responses, a revised Development Plan Document. This will then be submitted, along with the Sustainability Appraisal/Strategic Sustainability Assessment, to the Secretary of State for public examination by an appointed Planning Inspector. A statement detailing the representations made and issues raised and how the Council have addressed them in the revised Development Plan Document will be submitted at the same time. All of the submitted documents will be published on the Council’s website and made available for download.

Examination

4.21 As required by Regulation 28 there will be a further six-week formal consultation period at this stage. All of the representations received will be considered by the Planning Inspector at a Public Examination. The following consultation methods will be used.

. Statutory advertisements in the local press as required by the Regulations stating where and when the document can be inspected, how to make representations, where to send them and closing date.

. Electronic copies of the document and any supporting documents plus the draft Sustainability Appraisal will be available for inspection on the Council’s website together with an electronic form for representations on the development plan document.

. Copies of documents can also be downloaded form the above website or emailed on request. Hard copies will be sent to specific groups and organisations and the statutory consultees. The Council will not make a charge for either hard copies or electronic copies of documents associated with this stage of formal consultation

23 Draft Statement of Community Involvement

4.22 Details of the Examination timetable will be published on the Council website and statutory advertisements will appear in the local press. The Council will also send a formal letter to all statutory consultees and all of the groups and organisations listed on its database.

4.23 Any unresolved issues raised at this stage will go forward to the Examination. The Planning Inspector will hold a pre-examination meeting to agree with all those who have an unresolved representation on how their views are to be considered.

Adoption

4.24 Following the Examination the Planning Inspector will issue a report recommending changes to the Development Plan Document. These changes are binding on the Council and all the other parties. The Council will amend the plan in line with the Inspector’s recommendations and then formally adopt it. The adopted Development Plan Document will be made available in hard copy and electronically on the Council’s website. A charge will be made for the adopted document. The Council will also publish an adoption statement summarising how sustainability issues have been integrated into the document.

Sustainability Appraisal and Strategic Environmental Assessment

4.25 The various Local Development Documents all need a Sustainability Appraisal (SA)/Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA). We propose to carry out consultation on the sustainability appraisal in parallel with the consultation on the document itself as required by statutory regulations. This will also give everyone an early opportunity to participate. The consultation methods will be the same in most cases as for the development plans themselves. The LDF Working Group monitor progress of the SA process and an SA Steering Group including other key partners and stakeholders is responsible for project management.

4.26 However at the early stage of SA the Council have carried out selective consultation of the draft Scoping Report. This included consulting the four environmental bodies required by regulation but also selective consultation of over sixty other bodies including a range of local forums and economic, social and environmental groups. The draft report was made available for public inspection and comment at the Council Offices and on the website. The response to consultation on the Scoping Report will be reported to Full Council and the report will be adopted. The result of this stage of consultation will be available for inspection.

24 Draft Statement of Community Involvement

PART FIVE - PLANNING APPLICATIONS

Planning Applications - Determination

5.1 On 12 October 2005 the Thurrock Thames Gateway Development Corporation became the local planning authority for planning applications for the certain levels of development set out in Appendix G.

5.2 Thurrock Council will continue to be the local planning authority for planning applications for all other kinds of development not specified in Appendix F. The Council is required by law to consult various individuals and groups of certain types of application. We already carry out consultation on planning applications and would like to build on what we already do.

Methods of Consultation

5.3 Planning applications have to be determined in accordance with the development plan policies unless material considerations indicate otherwise. As the community has been involved in developing those documents, this will link through to making decisions on planning applications. This will hopefully mean that when planning applications are submitted and accords with development plan policies the applications should have community support.

5.4 Major applications are determined by Thurrock Development Corporation and Thurrock Council determines minor and all other applications. The table overleaf sets out the proposed methods of consultation and community involvement for these three different categories of planning applications.

5.5 You can view recent planning applications on the Council website (www.thurrock.gov.uk/planning/development) or inspect them at the Council office. The public can send comments on applications in writing, by email message or via the website. Thurrock Council and the Development Corporation now have separate Planning Committees that deal with all major and significant planning applications. You can speak at the Planning Committees if you arrange your questions in advance with the either organisations at the addresses below. Planning application forms can also be obtained in paper form or electronically form the same addresses.

Add - Addresses for Thurrock Council and TTGDC

25 Draft Statement of Community Involvement

Applications Minor All other determined Applications Applications by Thurrock determined determined Development by Thurrock by Thurrock Corporation Council Council Pre-application stage 1. CIS Application stage 1. Advertisement 2. Site Notice * * 3. Letters to adjoining occupiers and   owners 4. Public Meetings 5. Public Exhibitions 6. Surgeries 7. Workshops 8. Enquiry by Design and/or Planning for Real 9. Citizen Panels 10. Consultation Panel 11. Media 12. Website 13. Planning Aid 14. Local Architectural or Design Panel 15. Inform consultees of committee   date 16. Speaking at committee   17. Inform local ward member 18. Duty officer   19. Hotline Post Application Stage 1. Inform all consultees of decision   2. Post decision notices on website  

*In some circumstances, i.e. where neighbouring landowners are not known.

26 Draft Statement of Community Involvement

PART SIX - Resources and Management

6.1 The Council will finance the processes of consultation for Development Plans from existing budgets and Planning Delivery Grant. The Corporate Director of Sustainable Communities will monitor expenditure on the consultation process to ensure resources are effectively utilised. The Local Development Framework Working Group will also continue to consider the approach to consultation

6.2 The existing budget includes provision for the limited use of consultants to assist at various key stages in the consultation process for Local Development Documents. The use of consultants would be to add value and to provide additional skills for engagement and participation. This is particularly useful to provide assistance to existing staff to identify and involve “Hard to reach Groups in the planning process.

6.3 The Council’s resources are not limitless and planning staff will seek to use resources effectively in consultation by wherever possible:

 Undertake joint consultation with others either internally or external to the Council;

 Using the most appropriate and efficient methods of consultation and targeting this to the preferred requirements of community;

 Continuing to develop electronic consultation where this is efficient and reduces costs;

 Seeking to explore innovative and cost effective methods with community groups and key partners;

 Monitoring and reviewing consultation with the community through the Statement of Community Involvement to ensure that consultation meets need and is value for money.

27 Draft Statement of Community Involvement

APPENDIX A - Statutory Consultees

Regulations 25 and 26 of the Town and Country Planning (Local Development Plan) (England) Regulations 2004 identifies those bodies that the Local Planning Authority must consult when preparing the Local Development Framework. In particular it states that

 The local Planning authority must consult each of the specific consultation bodies to the extent that the Local Authority considers that the subject matter affects them, and

 those on the general consultation list that the LPA considers appropriate.

Further planning guidance on the details of the bodies to be consulted can be found in the Government's 'Planning policy Statement 12 - The Local Development Framework.' (2004).

The Specific Consultation bodies are:

The Government Office for the East of England (Go-East) The Countryside Agency Environment Agency Historic Buildings and Monuments Commission English Nature Department of Transport Highways Agency Adjoining Local Authorities Parish Councils including those adjoining the Local Authorities Area County Council East of England Regional Assembly East of England Development Agency Thurrock Thames Gateway Development Corporation Telecommunications operators Strategic Health Authority Electricity Companies Gas Companies Sewerage undertakers Water undertakers

The General Consultation bodies are specified as follows:

 Voluntary Bodies whose activities benefit any part of the LA area

 Bodies that represent the interests of different racial/ethnic or national groups in the LA area

 Bodies which represent the interests of Religious groups within the area

 Bodies which represent the interests of disabled persons in the area

 Bodies which represent the interests of people carrying out business in the area.

28 Draft Statement of Community Involvement

Appendix B – Generic List of Consultees

In addition to the Specific and General consultation bodies the Council propose to consult the following other consultees:

Government Agencies and Departments Ethnic and national groups organisations Local Groups English Partnerships Commission for Racial Equality Forestry Commission Gypsy Council Crown Estate Gypsy and Traveller Law Reform Coalition Her Majesty's Customs Advisory Council for the Education of Romany Gypsy’s. Health and Safety Executive Showman's Guild of Great Britain Housing Corporation Older and Young Peoples Organisations The Local Authority Local groups and forums Other departments and services Age Concern Councillors Help the Aged

Local Partnerships Education organisations Shaping Thurrock - Local Strategic Partnership Local Schools and colleges Thames Gateway South Essex Partnership Local Nurseries Thames Gateway London Partnership Essex Learning and Skills Council Thames Estuary Partnership Thurrock Skillsgain Thurrock Adult Education college Other National and Regional Organisations British Geological Survey Health and Emergency Services Civic Trust Thurrock Primary Care Trust CABE Basildon and Thurrock Hospitals Foundation Trust CAMERA South Essex Partnership NHS Trust Combined Heat and Power Association Essex Ambulance Service District Valuer St. John's Ambulance East of England Tourist Board Thurrock Police Commander Essex Association of Councils for Voluntary Essex Police Service Essex Fire and Rescue Service London Green Belt Council Thurrock Community Safety and Hate Crime Liaison London Rivers Association National Council for Voluntary Organisations Transport Organisations and Operators Outdoor Advertising Association Local transport forums and user groups South West Essex Magistrate Court British Motorcycle Federation Cycle Touring club Businesses and Business organisations Disabled Persons Transport Advisory Group Local Forums and Groups Essex Bridleways Local Businesses and national companies EWS (in Thurrock) Freightliner Group Thurrock Local Enterprise Agency Freight Transport Association East of England Small Business Federation General Aviation Awareness Council EssexCchamber of Commerce Network Rail Grays Retailers Association Port of London Port of Tilbury Disabled Groups and Organisations Ramblers Association Local groups Rail Link Engineering Disability Rights Commission Rail Freight Group National Institute for the Blind Road Haulage Association National Institute for the Deaf Sustrans Transport 2000 Equality Groups and Organisations Transport for London Local groups and forums Transvol Equal Opportunities Commission Local Bus and rail operators Women's National Commission Thurrock Licensed Drivers Association Union rail (North)

29 Draft Statement of Community Involvement

Housing groups and organisations Local resident and tenant associations Housing Associations House Builders Federation House Builders

Leisure and Sport Local Sports groups and clubs Caravanning and Camping Club Thurrock Arts Society Artspace National Playing Fields Association Sport England

Environmental, Ecology and Rural Organisations Local groups and forums Local allotment groups and associations British Wind Energy Association Rural Community Council of Essex CPRE FOE RSPB Thames Chase Essex Wildlife Trust Essex Badger Protection Group Froglife Essex Amphibian and Reptile Group Essex Mammal Group

Environmental, Conservation and Heritage Local heritage groups and forums Ancient Monuments Society Council for British Archaeology Friends of Essex Churches Garden History Society National Trust Twentieth Century Society Victorian Society

Landowners and developers Relevant local and national organisations (including in other categories) British Gas Properties British Rail Property Board Church Commissioners Post Office Holdings Union Rail Property Board

Individuals Includes members of the public and those individuals with small development interests.

Local Agents and Planning Consultants Local and national planning consultants Local agents and estate agents

30 Draft Statement of Community Involvement

APPENDIX C – LDS timetable (Gantt chart)

31 Draft Statement of Community Involvement

APPENDIX D - SCI (REGULATION 25) RESPONSE TO QUESTIONNAIRE

654 Questionnaires Sent. Total Responses - 175. Wanting to be Involved – 165.

The number of respondents wanting to be involved in each DPD (by any Consultation Method) is shown below :

160

140

s 120 t n e d

n 100 o p s e 80 R

f o

e 60 b m u 40 N

0 f t y d t e a d a y n o n t n g n n i h e n e c a n e f t t i l r r e a e a n f a l t a o n i

r l P A u m A s l P a s m e c s l o P e t r e f i e o p e m t e n a n t v r e m l r o n c d p t o S i s l i o s e m i l e i o l o e t n t t S e e s i a f o i o e t v n a o r a i v c e r t c e P c n C i c W u t l e k I o C A i S M A o P o a l D C S l L P A

For those wanting to be involved, the overall average number of respondents wanting each Consultation Method is shown below :

32 Draft Statement of Community Involvement

The percentage of respondents wanting each Consultation Method (in relation to each DPD) is shown below: Local Development Framework Components

f r y c f ls f a a o y i d n o t g s f t e n n t c a o e t i n a r n e e r l l n a r a n n t e a i s l l e e e A u p c P e o A e a i r P r s li n t P m i t m t S n c e m m o e i n e n e t l p n e S o M d e i s o e o i o t m v t P o o l i i Consultation Methods l i t l f t s a o e a C t t o a P e r r S c e c C v c v u S o W e A k Options n e A lo h P I l t a C d D L A n a Postal surveys 32% 34% 38% 23% 33% 27% 26%

Telephone surveys 8% 7% 7% 5% 10% 6% 7%

Exhibitions/displays/roadshows 33% 29% 32% 22% 27% 30% 29%

Leaflets/brochures 38% 42% 42% 26% 39% 31% 30%

Public meetings in area/town or village 28% 25% 28% 19% 24% 24% 20%

Interactive workshops 30% 25% 25% 16% 27% 24% 21%

Area based forums for local people 26% 25% 24% 16% 23% 22% 21%

Documents on Thurrock Council’s website 54% 61% 59% 41% 59% 47% 47% and opportunity to comment electronically

Media e.g. supplement in local press, radio, 16% 16% 16% 15% 16% 16% 15% tv etc.

Documents available for inspection at 30% 34% 34% 21% 34% 27% 25% Council Offices and other locations for a set time period Email alert when a new document is 58% 63% 62% 39% 61% 45% 45% published for comment and opportunity to comment electronically Formal letter 45% 53% 58% 39% 51% 41% 41%

Hotline 11% 11% 12% 8% 10% 11% 10%

One to one meetings with selected 24% 30% 39% 23% 32% 28% 28% stakeholders

Focus groups/citizen panels with 23% 19% 21% 15% 20% 18% 18% selected or random participants

Other 5% 16% 20% 12% 13% 9% 10%

33 Draft Statement of Community Involvement

APPENDIX E – CONSULTATION LOCATIONS FOR LOCAL DEVELOPMENT FRAMEWORK

Environmental Services Reception, 2nd Floor, Civic Offices, New Road, Grays, Essex

RM17 6SL Open : Mon-Thurs – 8.45am-5.15pm, Fri – 8.45am-4.45pm

Aveley Library , Purfleet Road , Aveley ,Essex, RM15 4DJ Open : Mon-2pm-5pm, Tues-10am – 6pm Wed-Closed, Thurs-10am-6pm, Fri-2pm-6pm, Sat- 10am-5pm (Closed for Lunch: 1pm-2pm) Belhus Library , Derry Avenue , South Ockendon , Essex , RM15 5DX

Open : 9am-7pm, Tues-9am-5pm, Wed- Closed, Thurs- 9am-7pm, Fri-9am-7pm, Sat-9am-5pm (Closed for Lunch 1pm-2pm)

Blackshots Library , Blackshots Lane, Grays , Essex , RM16 2JU

Open : Mon-10am-5pm, Tues-2pm-6pm, Wed-Closed, Thurs-10am-7pm, Fri-2pm-5pm, Sat- 10am- 5pm (Closed for Lunch 1pm-2pm)

Chadwell Information Centre, Brentwood Road, Chadwell St Mary, Grays, Essex, RM16 4JP Open : Mon-9am-7pm, Tues-9am-5pm, Wed-9am-5pm, Thurs- 9am-7pm, Fri-9pm-5pm, Sat-10am- 5pm Chafford Hundred Campus Library, Chafford Hundred Campus, Mayflower Road

Chafford Hundred, Grays, Essex, RM16 6SA

Open : Mon-8.30am-7.30pm, Tues-8.30am-7.30pm, Wed-8.30am-5pm, Thurs-8.30am-5pm, Fri- 8.30am-5pm, Sat-10am-1pm

Corringham Library, St John's Way, Corringham, Stanford-le-Hope, Essex, SS17 7LJ Open : Mon-9am-7pm, Tues-9am-7pm, Wed-Closed, Thurs-9am-7pm, Fri-9am-7pm, Sat-9am- 5pm, Sun-11am-2pm East Tilbury Library, Princess Avenue, East Tilbury, Tilbury, Essex, RM18 8ST Open : Mon-Closed, Tues-9am-6pm, Wed-Closed, Thurs-9am-6pm, Fri-2pm-6pm, Sat-10am-1pm (Closed for Lunch 1pm-2pm) Grays Library, Orsett Road, Grays, Essex, RM17 5DX Open : 9am-7pm, Tues-9am-7pm, Wed-9am-5pm, Thurs-9am-7pm, Fri-9am-5pm, Sat-9am-5pm Stanford-le-Hope Library, High Street, Stanford-le-Hope, Essex, SS17 0HG Open : Mon-10am-6pm, Tues-10am-5pm, Wed-Closed, Thurs-10am-6pm, Fri-10am-5pm, Sat- 10am-5pm (Closed for Lunch-1pm-2pm) Tilbury Library, Civic Square, Tilbury, Essex, RM18 8AD Open: Mon-1pm-7pm, Tuesday-10am-6pm, Wed-Closed, Thurs-10am-1pm, Fri-10am-5pm, Sat- 10am-5pm (Closed for Lunch 1pm-2pm) Purfleet Garrison Local Housing Office, 57 Marine Court, Purfleet, Essex

Open : Mon-Fri – 9am-4.30pm (Closed for Lunch – 12pm-1pm)

South Ockendon Area Housing Office, Derwent Parade, South Ockendon, Essex

Open : Mon, Tues, Thurs, Fri – 9am-4.30pm, Wed- 9.30am-4.30pm

Stanford Area Housing Office, Springhouse Road, Stanford le Hope, Essex

Open : Mon-Fri- 9am-4.30pm (Closed for Lunch 1pm-2pm)

Tilbury Area Housing Office, Civic Square, Tilbury, Essex

Open : Mon-Thurs – 9am-4.30pm, Fri- 9am-4pm 34 Draft Statement of Community Involvement

APPENDIX F – THURROCK THAMES GATEWAY DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION APPLICATIONS

On 12 October 2005 the Thurrock Development Corporation became the local planning authority for planning applications for the following kinds of development:

a) Development which comprises or includes the provision of 50 or more houses, flats or houses and flats;

b) Development which comprises or includes the provision of 2500 or more square metres of floorspace for a use falling within any or all of the following Classes of the Use Classes Order – i. Class A1 (retail); ii. Class A2 (financial and professional); iii. Class A3 (restaurants and cafes); iv. Class A4 (drinking establishments); v. Class A5 (hot food takeaways); vi. Class B1 (business); vii. Class B2 (general industrial); viii. Class B8 (storage and distribution);

c) Development which comprises or includes the provision of 1000 or more square metres of floorspace for a use falling within the following Classes of the Use Classes Order – a. Class C2 (residential institutions); b. Class D1 (non-residential institutions); c. Class D2 (assembly and leisure);

d) Development which occupies 1 hectare or more of land;

e) Development which comprises or includes the provision of buildings which are 15 metres or more in height;

f) Development which comprises or includes the winning or working of minerals in, on or under land of 2 hectares or more, whether by surface or underground working;

g) Any recycling development to provide and installation with capacity for a throughput of more than 5000 tonnes a year of refuse or waste materials produced outside the land in respect of which planning permission is sought;

h) Any waste development to provide an installation with capacity for a throughput of more than 20000 tonnes a year of refuse of waste materials produced outside the land in respect of which planning permission is sought;

i) Development for a use, other than residential use, which includes the provision of 50 or more car parking spaces;

35 Draft Statement of Community Involvement j) Any development on land adjoining the River Thames which is –

i. Below the level of the River Thames mean high water springs; or ii. Within 250 metres or less of the River Thames mean high water springs; and iii. Which would involve the construction of a building with 100 or more square metres of floorspace or a material change in the use of such a building; k) Development – i. On land allocated as Green Belt in the development plan, in proposals for such a plan, or in proposals for the alteration of such a plan; and ii. Which would involve the construction of a building with 500 or more square metres of floorspace or a material change in the use of such a building; l) Development to provide or extend – i. An aircraft runway, airfield or aerodrome; ii. A heliport (including a floating heliport and a helipad on a building); iii. An air passenger terminal at an airport; iv. A railway station; v. A bus or coach station; vi. A crossing over or under the River Thames; or vii. A pier on the river Thames; m) Development wholly or mainly for the provision of a highway (other than a bridleway, cycleway or footpath); n) Development which is likely to result in the loss of 20 or more houses, flats or houses and flats (irrespective of whether the development would also entail the provision of new houses or flats); o) Development on land with an area of 1 hectare or more which – i. Is likely to prejudice the use, or lead to the loss of use, of land being used as a playing field; or ii. Is on land which has been – a. Used as a playing field at any time in the five years before the making of the relevant application for planning permission and which remains undeveloped; or b. Allocated for use as a playing field in a development plan or in proposals for such a plan or its alteration or replacement; p) Development of a kind that is not specified in any of the preceding paragraphs but which forms part of more substantial proposed development of such a kind on the same land or adjoining land in the development area.