Thurrock Council's planning team has been rated one of the best in country.

A review of the planning authorities across the country showed Thurrock to be in the top four across the country, making it in the top three per cent.

The council was rated highly for the timeliness of its decisions made and the strong links it has to the with the development industry.

A spokesman for the council said "its forward thinking and commercial awareness helps to drive continued investment into the borough".

Mark Coxshall, portfolio holder for regeneration, said: “The planning team take a professional approach to everything they do so it is no surprise to find out they are amongst the very best local planning authorities and are in the top four in the country.

"Their proactive approach and the robust pre-planning advice service they offer are key to their continued success.

“The team are not only a credit to Thurrock Council they are important in driving investment into the borough.

"When developers know they have a planning department they can work with they are more likely to build and invest here.”