This neighbourhood area is in Stifford, located in the Borough of Thurrock. The ancient parish of St Mary’s is located in this neighbourhood area. North Stifford is primarily a small residential area, with a classic suburban feel. It’s residential housing estates, which were made of Stifford Clays in the 1950s and 1960s, earnt the area its name. Residents who live in North Stifford can enjoy walking in some of the many natural open spaces such as East Street Park or Chafford Gorges Nature Reserve which are both walking distances from this neighbourhood.

North Stifford has its roots dating back to the Domesday book, as it was recorded as Stifford, which means “path ford”. Stifford generated most of its economic activity through farming, making use of its arable land in the area. This neighbourhood area is home to St. Mary’s Church which dates back to the 12th century. As of 2018, the Borough of Thurrock has 20 Conservative Councillors and 17 Labour elected Councillors meaning no party has an overall majority, however interestingly all two of North Stifford’s ward Councillors are Conservative.

St. Mary’s Church is one of the few churches in Thurrock that has earnt the culturally significant ranking of being Grade II listed. Established in 2014, Stifford now has its own men’s Sunday league football team.

The suburban life that comes with living in North Stifford often means one misses out from the dynamic nature of inner-city life. Chafford Hundred, which includes parts of North Stifford, was considered one of the most crime ridden parts of Thurrock.

Thurrock Council has worked consistently on increasing its housing stock of private and affordable homes, with 319 dwellings completed in 2021-2022. The council is currently working on developing a new local plan with targets projected to 2040. Their latest round of consultations was in March 2022 but more meetings with locals are anticipated. The new local plan is expected to include growth and enhancement targets for North Stifford, addressing worries that it would focus only on already successful town centres in the borough.