A new plan to provide Tilbury homes, jobs and facilities has been given the green light by the Council.

Called the Tilbury Masterplan, the scheme will include enhancing the Civic Square with new public areas, new homes, greater jobs and skills support and an Integrated Medical Centre bringing health services closer to residents as part of a short-medium term plan.

Longer-term plans include the Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects (NSIPs) for the port and power generation, as well as improved connectivity between the town and the river.

The plan is part of the Council's vision for Tilbury as an attractive, safe and fun place with a vibrant economy – where people can live a healthy lifestyle and achieve their potential.

Councillor for Regeneration, Mark Coxshall, said “I have long said that Tilbury needs some love – and these plans do exactly that. I want the people of Tilbury to take full advantage of the opportunities these plans will offer them.

“While NSIP projects will offer a wide range of opportunities, we will be working with the Planning Inspectorate to do all we can to minimise the impact to local residents.

“As we focus all our efforts on delivery, the local community will benefit from the smaller and larger scale projects and opportunities in the area.”

Ukip councillor, John Allen, says it is about time that Tilbury received this attention, but offered a cautious welcoming.

He said: "Tilbury has been neglected by both the Conservative and Labour Parties down the years so a bit of TLC is long overdue.

"The plans look good on paper but I urge residents to have a good hard look at the plans to get an understanding of what the Masterplan represents.

"There are questions to ask; more house building will mean more traffic, more traffic means increased pollution; how will this be mitigated?

"How many of the homes will be affordable and how many will be available for local people?  

"Our community needs to come together to keep a close eye on how our town is developed, we do welcome regeneration but we must ensure that regeneration doesn't end up covering Tilbury in concrete.

"As your elected Councillor I will continue to fight Tilbury's corner and make sure the voice of its people is heard as these plans develop."

Labour councillor for Tilbury Riverside & Thurrock Park, Bukky Okunade, said: "It's good that this is moving forward - Tilbury's Labour councillors have long been pushing for improvements in the area.

"However, it is essential that as this scheme moves forwards, Tilbury residents are involved in the planning and design at every step of the way. We must ensure this is a genuine community-led project."