Image supplied by Chetwood Architects
This is a major mixed use regeneration project in Thames Gateway, on one of the country’s largest brownfield sites. It comprises the redevelopment of the redundant Shell Haven oil refinery on the banks of the River Thames in Thurrock for a new deep water international container port and an adjoining business and logistics park. The project currently represents the largest inward investment project in the UK.
The proposed port, which was promoted via a Harbour Empowerment Order (HEO), will provide a 2,300 metre long container quay capable of handling 3.5 million TEU containers per year. It will be accommodated on the former refinery site and an additional 230 acres of reclaimed land in the River Thames created from dredging the approach channel and berths. The container port will be integrated with a large logistics park on the remainder of the Shell Haven site, which will provide about 10 million sq ft of accommodation and ancillary uses. The logistics park was promoted through an outline planning application (OPA) with an accompanying Transport and Works Act Order (TWAO) for associated rail infrastructure.
Both elements of the development will be connected to the rail network and will benefit from an entirely new dedicated access road. It is anticipated that the combined development will generate over 14,000 new jobs in the coming years.
Services Provided
DPP provided full planning support from project inception through the multiple consents process and on to implementation. This entailed providing advice on strategy, project management of the planning process, the submission and promotion of applications, and the provision of expert evidence at three concurrent public inquiries.
It also involved preparation and input into a wide range of specialist studies including EIA, masterplanning, sustainability and economic assessments. We promoted the development through emerging regional, strategic and development plan policy frameworks.
Our involvement entailed discussions and negotiations with agencies, regulators and stakeholders at all levels, together with an active involvement in community engagement activities. Following the securing of relevant permissions, we continue to advise on project implementation e.g. promoting reserved matters applications and discharging conditions.
Achievements
DPP’s extensive professional resources have ensured our ability to pilot one of the country’s largest development and infrastructure projects though a complex approvals process. Permissions have been achieved following a successful public inquiry outcome and implementation of the project is underway.
This development is one of the largest brownfield site projects in Europe.