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Role, vision and powers

Thurrock Thames Gateway Development Corporation has been established as a special purpose vehicle to deliver regeneration including new jobs and housing as part of the Governments' Sustainable Communities Plan. The statutory objective and powers of the Development Corporation are set out in s.134 and 135 of the Local Government Planning & Land Act 1980.

It is a public body, funded by the Department of Communities & Local Government (DCLG) and governed by an independent board of directors, appointed by the First Secretary of State.

Statutory Purpose

The purpose of the Development Corporation is to secure the regeneration of its area.

This is to be achieved through:

• bringing land and buildings into effective use;
• encouraging the development of existing new industry and commerce;
• creating an attractive environment;
• ensuring that housing and social facilities are available to encourage people to live and work in the area.

Powers

For the purpose of achieving regeneration of its area, the Development Corporation will:

• acquire, hold, manage, reclaim and dispose of land and other property;
• carry out building and other operations;
• seek to ensure the provision of water, electricity, gas, sewerage and other services;
• provide funding to organisations whose activities meet our operational objectives, and,
• undertake any appropriate activity which may underpin the regeneration of the Thurrock Thames Gateway area.

Planning Powers

Ministers have made an Order and obtained Parliamentary Approval giving the Corporation substantial development control powers within the Thurrock Council area. The Order was laid before Parliament on Wednesday 21 September 2005 and will come/came into force on 12 October 2005. The Order establishes the Corporation as the local planning authority for determining strategic planning applications (householder and minor applications will remain with the Thurrock Council). The types of planning application that are decided by the Corporation are set out in the Parliamentary Order. For further information on how to make or comment on a planning application click here:.

How to make or comment on a planning application

Development Plan making powers will stay with Thurrock Council but the Development Corporation has produced its own Regeneration Framework and is in the process of producing a Spatial Plan for the whole district plus area master plans for individual communities. As emerging documents these will inform the Local Development Framework which is being prepared by the Council.

Lifespan

The Thurrock Thames Gateway Development Corporation is a limited life body. This requires it to focus on achievement within a clear timescale rather than having an open ended remit.

The Thurrock Thames Gateway Development Corporation currently has a lifespan to 2014.