Thurrock Council has received the outline planning application for the £1billion Purfleet redevelopment project which will see the town transformed in line with community aspirations.

In the first phase of the ambitious project, there will be a bridge over the railway line to replace the level crossing, new road connections, additional school places, an Integrated Medical Centre, a children’s play area, improvements to the riverfront walkway, as well as new shops, cafés and restaurants, a new town centre and new homes.

When the whole scheme is completed, there will be spaces for new businesses, an improved rail station, 2,850 new homes and more open spaces for residents to enjoy.

Leader of the Council, Rob Gledhill, said: “We are thrilled that the planning application has been submitted ahead of schedule. Residents will now be able to see the master plan for the whole £1billion regeneration project.

“As a development partner, the council is contributing around half of the 62 hectares of land for the scheme, as well as providing up to £9.3million for the construction of a new primary school.

“The redevelopment of Purfleet will not only benefit the residents in the area, but the borough as a whole. Working with our partners, we will deliver this exciting project.”

Mark Coxshall, responsible for regeneration, said: “With site investigations underway and the outline planning application in, this much anticipated regeneration scheme is gathering pace.

“As the planning authority, Thurrock Council will now consider the application. I look forward to the Planning Committee considering the outline application, ahead of a detailed application for phase 1A being submitted early in the new year.”