Welcome to the consultation for
Land at Kemps Farm,
South Ockendon
Hill Residential is bringing forward proposals for a high-quality, sustainable new neighbourhood on Land at Kemps Farm, South Ockendon.
Introduction
Hill Residential is preparing proposals to deliver around 800 new homes, alongside land for a new two-form entry primary school, and new infrastructure to support pedestrians, cyclists, public transport and vehicles. The proposals will also deliver substantial green and blue infrastructure, including a variety of open and natural spaces, and sustainable drainage features.
Hill recognises the significant need for more new homes in Thurrock, whilst pre-emptively considering and responding to impact on local services and infrastructure. Located adjacent to Ockendon Station, the proposed new neighbourhood will improve connectivity with the existing town, offer residents convenient public and active transport links across Essex as well as to London and beyond, while also boosting the local economy and town centre. Hill Residential is working with the community, key stakeholders and other local developers to bring forward proposals that reflect and respond to the priorities of South Ockendon and wider Thurrock.
An outline application will be submitted to establish the principle of development on the site. Permission for all other matters, including layout, scale, and appearance, will be sought through separate reserved matters applications.
Public Consultation
We are seeking comments and questions from local residents, stakeholders, and organisations to help shape the outline planning application before it is submitted to Thurrock Council in the autumn.
This website provides a detailed overview of what is being proposed, how the plans have evolved, and what the benefits will be for South Ockendon.
We will be holding a public exhibition on Thursday 11 September at South Ockendon Village Social Club (Canterbury Parade, South Ockendon RM15 6NW). Drop in at any time between 4pm-8pm to find out more, meet the project team and provide your feedback.
You can respond by visiting our feedback section, attending the public exhibition, or contacting the team directly. All details can be found on the Have Your Say page.
About the Site
The site is located on West Road, just 150 metres from Ockendon Station. It comprises approximately 35 hectares (87 acres) of predominantly agricultural land, currently undeveloped, with a mix of arable fields, a pond, and some hedgerows. The land is not publicly accessible (except via existing Public Rights of Way) and contains no designated heritage or ecological assets.
Site location plan (click to expand)
Planning context
The site sits within what is assessed to be the ‘Grey Belt’ — land currently in the Metropolitan Green Belt which does not make a strong contribution to its purposes under national planning policy.
Located within walking distance of local services, shops and schools, the site presents a rare opportunity to deliver much-needed housing in one of Thurrock’s most sustainable and accessible locations. The proposals are being brought forward in the context of the emerging Local Plan, which recognises the need to identify and release appropriate sites to address housing shortfalls and secure new infrastructure for growing communities. Thurrock Council has identified the site as appropriate for development in the initial version of the Local Plan.
Local services and amenities in South Ockendon (click to expand)
About Hill Residential
Hill Residential, part of The Hill Group, is one of the UK’s most successful and highly regarded privately-owned housebuilders. Established over 25 years ago, Hill has developed an award-winning reputation for creating attractive, sustainable and enduring places to live, with a portfolio of projects that range from complex urban regeneration schemes to carefully crafted rural developments.
The company operates across London, Essex, Cambridgeshire and the wider South East and has delivered thousands of homes in partnership with local authorities, housing associations and private landowners. Hill is known for its commitment to quality, long-term stewardship, and social value — ensuring that every development contributes meaningfully to the communities in which it is located.
Recent projects include:
Knights Park in Eddington, Cambridge – part of a university-led expansion integrating new homes, education, research and public realm
Fish Island Village in Hackney E3 a vibrant new neighbourhood of over 580 new homes among an existing artistic and creative community. The development includes a concierge and gym, and three new public plazas to encourage collaboration and connection, and some commercial space.
Marleigh in East Cambridge – a master-planned new neighbourhood of over 1,300 new homes, a primary school, shops and extensive green infrastructure