Naomi Greenaway

Inhaus Group has applied to Thurrock Council to convert a three-bedroom detached house on Davis Road, Chafford Hundred, into an Ofsted-registered children's home for up to two children aged seven to 17 with emotional and behavioural needs. The proposal would retain the property's appearance and domestic character, with round-the-clock care provided by a manager and residential support staff. The applicant says the home would help address a national shortage of placements for looked-after children and would require no public funding. Essex Highways has requested additional parking and cycle-storage details, while the council considers the application.

Plans submitted by DCA Developers Ltd could replace the vacant former library and public hall site on Purfleet Road in Aveley with eight four-bedroom semi-detached homes and 20 parking spaces. The site was demolished in 2021, with library and community services moved to Aveley Community Hub. Thurrock Council has not yet decided on the application. Applicant Valentin Bivol said construction could begin in early 2027 and take about 18 months if permission, building regulations approval and planning-condition sign-off are secured. The developer says the scheme would improve site security, add local housing and meet the government’s Future Homes Standard for sustainable, low-carbon homes.

Thurrock councillors unanimously approved Deborah Ward as the council’s new chief executive, with her expected to begin in the autumn. Ward is set to lead the authority as it remains under government commissioner oversight following a £1.5 billion debt crisis and a Section 114 notice issued in 2022. Council leader Richard Bingley said her experience in local government reorganisation, housing and regeneration made her well suited to the role. Conservative councillor Qaisar Abbas supported the appointment but questioned aspects of the interview process. Councillors also praised outgoing chief executive Dave Smith and highlighted progress in reducing the council’s debt, while pledging continued financial discipline.

Thurrock Council voted to rescind its 2019 climate emergency declaration following a motion from Reform UK councillors George Monk and Tom Kelly. Reform argued that the original net-zero target was unrealistic and had not produced sufficient practical action, while Labour councillors said the move would undermine a more pragmatic strategy focused on emissions reductions, energy efficiency, cost savings and external funding. The motion passed despite Labour opposition, and the council will review its environmental policies while continuing to meet statutory and national obligations.

Cabinet members approved launching a tender to build 11 affordable council homes on two underused garage sites in South Ockendon. Planning permission is already in place, and the scheme will be delivered through the Housing Revenue Account to help address high housing demand in the borough. Councillor Tom Kelly highlighted the financial and community benefits, noting the increase in rental income compared with current garage revenue. Construction is scheduled for 2027–2028, with 17 garages to be demolished and replaced by a mix of two- and three-bedroom homes, including a wheelchair-accessible bungalow. Existing tenants will be offered alternative garages, and similar redevelopment projects are already underway elsewhere in Thurrock.

Councillors approved a proposal for nine car‑free flats behind Bankfoot in Grays after planning officers and the project’s agent said the scheme suited the mixed‑use area and had adequate access to public transport. Members raised concerns about parking pressures, site elevation and transport links, but officers said these issues could be addressed in later applications. The committee voted unanimously in favour, allowing the development to proceed with residents expected to rely on public transport, walking and cycling.

Councillors rejected plans for 187 homes east of Rectory Road in Orsett despite planning officers recommending approval, citing harm to the countryside and the village’s historic character. Residents, community groups and ward councillors voiced concerns about landscape impact, increased traffic and pressure from other infrastructure projects. The applicant argued the scheme met council requirements and would deliver significant public benefits, including affordable housing. A majority of the planning committee nevertheless voted to refuse permission, a decision welcomed by opponents of the development.

A Reform UK candidate in the upcoming Grays Riverside by-election is facing criticism after historic Facebook posts surfaced containing derogatory remarks about women, opposition to same‑sex marriage, a racial slur and comments about disabilities. Labour candidate Jo Potter called for the party to withdraw support, citing concerns for the community. Reform UK stated the posts were over a decade old and that Jason Mitchell has apologised. The by-election on 23 July follows the resignation of two recently elected councillors, with multiple parties fielding candidates in both Grays Riverside and Grays Town.

The government has confirmed that the £11 billion Lower Thames Crossing project will proceed despite wider cuts to road and energy schemes intended to redirect funding toward defence. The Department for Transport stated that the crossing and the A66 upgrade remain protected as work continues to prepare sites ahead of full construction expected in 2028. Funded largely through private investment, the scheme remains unaffected as the government allocates resources toward drones, autonomous systems, and other military capabilities to support long‑term defence readiness.

Thurrock Council completed its internal audit programme for 2025–26 and published its draft annual accounts on time, marking an improvement in meeting governance deadlines. Audit Committee members were told that all planned audit work was finished, though some areas still received limited assurance ratings and amber‑rated risks remain. An unresolved objection from 2021 is preventing external auditors Ernst & Young from formally signing off the latest accounts. Councillors were updated on ongoing financial recovery efforts, enhanced risk management training and continued monitoring of audit recommendations.