Detailed plan for homes on farmland expected soon

The plans will include a primary school, care home, shop and community centre

A developer is expected to ask planners for permission to build 525 homes on farmland.

Mulberry Strategic Land (MSL) could soon submit a planning application for a 58-acre site north of Southend Road, in Corringham, Thurrock, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

MSL said the proposal would help ease housing shortages and create jobs.

But some are worried about the possible impact of the project. A post on social media claimed "there is no thought for the current residents at all".

The plan emerged after a request for Thurrock Council's opinion on whether an Environment Impact Assessment (EIA) would be needed ahead of the application.

Planning officers concluded an EIA was not required, leaving the way open for detailed plans to be submitted.

MSL said the proposals would include a new primary school, a care home, a shop and a community centre.

In a report to planning officers, MSL said: "The development will significantly enhance the local community in Thurrock by addressing housing shortages, providing essential educational and healthcare services, creating jobs, and promoting economic growth, while fostering a diverse and inclusive environment that supports the needs of all residents."

MSL added there would be measures to reduce the scheme's impact on ecology and the landscape.

In 2024, MSL faced criticism after suggesting Thurrock Council's planning committee had little choice to approve plans for up to 1,000 homes on green belt in East Tilbury.

It followed the Government's stated intention of building 1.5 million new homes and reviewing green belt policy.

MSL subsequently won an appeal to the planning inspectorate, leaving the council with an £87,000 legal bill.

A previous planning application by Cogent Land LLP for up to 750 homes on the Corringham site was withdrawn.