HOUSEBUILDER Redrow Homes has unveiled plans for a major new eco-community in Tilbury that will bring multi-million pound investment to the town.

Redrow's plans, called Tilbury Future, would see the development of 1,500 new homes, new community facilities and they pledge employment opportunities that could generate hundreds of new jobs.

In is proposal Redrow says Tilbury Future would harness the latest renewable energy, water conservation, recycling and waste reduction technology, and the most advance designs for energy efficient homes to create a new green low carbon community.

Redrow says discussions have been held with Thurrock Council, Thurock Thames Gateway Development Corporation, landowners and developers and other local stakeholders about the plans.

The Tilbury Future concept plans have been prepared for over 60 hectares of land to the north of Tilbury and have been submitted to the Thurrock Thames Gateway Development Corporation as part of its masterplanning exercise for South East Thurrock.

Initial proposals were presented to Tilbury residents last year and received a warm welcome.

Over 60 per cent of residents who responded said they supported the proposals and felt that Tilbury would benefit from the investment.

Jo Hanslip, Regional Planning Director of Redrow Homes said: We believe that Tilbury Future is a really exciting opportunity for the town.

"Tilbury has suffered from years of underinvestment. Our proposals will not only bring much needed new homes and jobs to the town, but also bring in significant additional investment, particularly in retail, to revitalise Tilbury Town Centre."

Thurrock Thames Gateway Development Corporation is currently consulting on a masterplan for South East Thurrock and preferred options due to be published later this year, with a final plan agreed in early 2009.