Policy information sourced from Thurrock Core Strategy and Policies for Management of Development
OSDP1 – PROMOTING SUSTAINABLE GROWTH AND REGENERATION IN THURROCK
Thurrock Council is committed to promoting sustainable growth in Thurrock that serves to regenerate its communities by proactively engaging with developers to deliver high quality sustainable development schemes across all types of land uses and facilities.
Thurrock Council, when considering development proposals, will take a positive approach that reflects the presumption in favour of sustainable development contained in the National Planning Policy Framework. It will always work proactively with applicants jointly to find solutions which mean that proposals can be approved wherever possible, and to secure development that improves the economic, social and environmental conditions in Thurrock. Working pro-actively to find solutions will be achieved by measures such as encouraging applicants to hold early preapplication discussions and through the use of Planning Performance Agreements and Local Development Orders in appropriate circumstances.
Planning applications that accord with the policies in this Core Strategy, (and, where relevant, with polices in neighbourhood plans) will be approved without delay, unless material considerations indicate otherwise.
Where there are no policies relevant to the application or relevant policies are out of date at the time of making the decision then the Council will grant permission unless material considerations indicate otherwise – taking into account whether:
- Any adverse impacts of granting permission would significantly and demonstrably outweigh the benefits, when assessed against the policies in the National Planning Policy Framework taken as a whole; or
- Specific policies in that Framework indicate that development should be restricted.
The presumption in favour of sustainable development does not apply where development requiring appropriate assessment under the Birds or Habitats Directives is being considered, planned or determined.
For more information please see the Core Strategy and Policies for Management of Development