THURROCK Council’s cabinet waxed lyrical about £800million regeneration plans for Purfleet as it gave a consortium the go-ahead to crack on.

The Yellow Consortium, headed up by Sir Tim Lawrence – who spoke at Wednesday evening’s cabinet meeting – Bouygues will now press on with its plans for a huge film and TV studio complex, new rail crossing and station, 2,300 homes and a new primary school.

The council’s cabinet formally selected the consortium, which is also made up of Regeneration Investments, engineering firm Keltbray and Bouygues, a construction company.

Andy Smith, the council’s portfolio holder for regeneration, dubbed the proposals “wonderful for Purfleet” and said “the vast majority of residents support it”.

He told Labour cabinet colleagues that the next steps were for the proposals to obtain planning permission and for land to be acquired.

Victoria Holloway, the portfolio holder for environment and ward councillor for West Thurrock and Purfleet said: “This is something that Purfleet needs. I’m hopeful to see things moving forward.”

The cabinet’s approval comes two weeks after the Gazette revealed the Yellow Consortium’s plans.

John Kent, leader of Thurrock Council, addressed scepticism of some readers that the project would never happen, which were raised after hearing about the plans. He challenged Sir Lawrence to show commitment to the project.

Addressing councillors, Sir Tim Lawrence said the consortium were itching to get on with their plans, were excited by them and committed to delivering them.

He added that he was keen to hear from residents as the proposals were “still in need of developing”.

*For more on the Purfleet regeneration plans, including reaction and more from Sir Lawrence on his thoughts about the scheme, pick up next week’s Thurrock Gazette.