John Prescott makes TTGDC responsible for large-scale planning and sustained growth in the area.

The office of the deputy prime minister is to give Thurrock Thames Gateway Development Corporation (TTGDC) strategic planning powers next month, making it responsible for determining strategic and large-scale planning applications. The ODPM says that by making TTGDC the local planning authority within the urban development area it will be better able to bring about sustainable growth and regeneration in Thurrock.

Minister for Housing and Planning, Yvette Cooper said: “The transfer of planning power for strategic applications will enable TTGDC to secure important changes and make a real and positive difference to the local community in Thurrock, bringing business investment and increased employment.”

The TTGDC was launched in October 2003 to drive regeneration and economic growth in the area.