FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

Here is a detailed list of frequently asked questions, grouped by topic.

About the Site

  • Yes, it is currently within the Metropolitan Green Belt. However, Hill has assessed the Site and does not consider it performs strongly against the relevant Green Belt purposes set out in national planning policy and therefore, is considered to be classified as ‘Grey Belt’ land.

  • The site is in agricultural use, mostly as arable farmland. It does not contain any buildings or dwellings, and is defined by hedgerows, field boundaries, and a pond at the edge of the site.

  • Yes. The site is highly accessible, located just 150 metres from Ockendon Station and close to local facilities. Two new access points will connect the site to surrounding roads, while a walkable street network will prioritise pedestrians and cyclists. Plans also include secure cycle storage, EV charging, and support for a future mobility hub at the station.

  • The site has been identified within Thurrock’s Initial Proposals Document, prepared to support the emerging Local Plan, and is considered suitable, available, and achievable for development. It aligns with the Council’s growth strategy of locating new homes close to existing transport infrastructure, such as Ockendon Station.

About the Proposals

  • The outline planning application proposes around 800 homes, delivered over phases. These will include a full range of house types and tenures, including 1–5 bedroom homes, with a focus on family housing and homes for older people.

  • Fifty percent of the homes are proposed to be affordable. This includes social rent, affordable rent, and shared ownership homes. All affordable homes will be designed and built to the same standards as private homes, with high-quality materials and finishes, and will be distributed throughout the development to support inclusive communities.

  • The vision is to create a walkable, landscape-led neighbourhood that integrates seamlessly with South Ockendon including to neighbouring Belhus Country Park. The design draws on local character and includes generous open space, community amenities, and a sustainable transport strategy.

  • The proposals safeguard 2.05 hectares of land for a new two-form entry primary school, including early years provision. A new village green and a network of green spaces will support recreation and wellbeing, with play areas and opportunities for community growing. In addition, the development will provide Section 106 contributions to help fund wider local infrastructure and services, such as improvements to medical facilities.

  • The new homes will reflect the character of South Ockendon and the wider Essex area, featuring varied brickwork, pitched roofs, dormer windows, and set-back front doors. Most buildings will be two to three storeys tall, with some four-storey buildings near the station. Homes will be outward-facing, overlooking streets and public spaces to promote safety and community interaction. Design codes will ensure consistent quality and a distinctive sense of place throughout the development. All homes will meet modern sustainability standards focused on energy efficiency, comfort, and access to green space.

Transport and Access

  • The development will include two vehicular access points, one from West Road and one from Dennis Road. These have been designed to prioritise safe, legible movement for pedestrians, cyclists, and vehicles. Secondary or emergency access routes may also be introduced as part of detailed design.

    These arrangements are subject to ongoing review as part of technical engagement with Thurrock Council’s highways team, and may be refined in response to their feedback.

  • Yes. The site is just 150 metres from Ockendon Station, offering regular C2C rail services to London Fenchurch Street, Barking, and Grays. Several bus routes also operate nearby, including the 269 (Grays–Brentwood), 370 (Lakeside–Romford), and 22 (Aveley–Grays), all providing convenient links to local towns and transport hubs. The development is also designed to support Thurrock Council’s aspirations for a new mobility hub at Ockendon Station, encouraging sustainable and integrated travel options.

  • Yes. The masterplan includes dedicated pedestrian and cycle routes designed in line with best practice, connecting new homes to local shops, the town centre, Ockendon Station, schools, and Belhus Country Park. The proposals include improved access to Belhus Country Park, along with a new circular walk and leisure/fitness route to encourage active lifestyles. The development also aims to link with the future Lower Thames Crossing Greenway, supporting wider regional walking and cycling connections.

  • Yes. All new homes will be provided with access to electric vehicle charging infrastructure, either through on-plot chargers or communal facilities. Public EV charging will be available near visitor bays and the mobility hub.

  • Parking will be provided in accordance with Thurrock Council’s standards, with adjustments made to reflect the high accessibility of the site. There will be a mix of on-plot and on-street spaces, with visitor parking, accessible bays, and car club spaces.

Landscape and Environment

  • The proposals are targeting a minimum 10% Biodiversity Net Gain, in line with national policy. Measures include:

    • Retained and enhanced pond

    • New tree and hedgerow planting

    • Native wildflower meadows and habitat corridors

    • Bat/bird boxes and ecological buffers

    These arrangements are subject to ongoing review as part of technical engagement with Thurrock Council’s highways team, and may be refined in response to their feedback.

  • The development will include:

    • A central Village Green

    • Formal and informal play areas

    • Greenways and nature trails

    • Community orchards and growing spaces

    • Multi-functional areas for biodiversity, drainage, and social use

  • No. A Sustainable Drainage System (SuDS) will manage surface water on-site. This includes swales, rain gardens, and attenuation basins, which are designed to be climate-resilient and integrated into the public realm.

  • Where possible, yes. The masterplan has been developed to retain hedgerows, mature trees, and the pond, which form the structure of the green infrastructure strategy and contribute to the site’s identity.

Community and Benefits

  • Yes. Land is safeguarded for a two-form entry primary school with early years facilities. Its location in the site supports walking and cycling access and aligns with anticipated demand from new and existing residents.

  • Through a Section 106 agreement (a legal agreement), Hill Residential will make financial contributions to:

    • Education and healthcare

    • Public transport improvements

    • Recreation facilities and open space

    • Community infrastructure

    These will be agreed in consultation with Thurrock Council and statutory providers.

  • Yes. The project will support:

    • Construction jobs and local supply chains

    • Long-term roles in estate management and education

    • Potential for apprenticeships and skills training, particularly during build phases

  • The layout, mix of homes, and open space strategy aim to foster social interaction and community pride. Public realm features and potential community spaces (e.g. gardens and play areas) will support events, volunteering, and local initiatives.

    Fifty percent of the total number of homes are proposed to be affordable, which will help the needs of local people.

Planning Process

  • An outline planning application is expected to be submitted to Thurrock Council in the Autumn.

  • Subject to planning approval, construction could begin in 2027, starting with access roads, early housing phases, and green infrastructure. The development will be delivered in phases over several years.