River pier extension at Passenger Ferry Landing Stage, Tilbury

What was proposed

The application proposed a floating pontoon, dolphin piles and connecting link to extend the existing landing stage for river bus services.

“This full planning application, submitted by Thurrock Council, seeks approval for the provision of an extension to Tilbury Pier to facilitate a new River bus service. The extension is formed of a new floating pontoon, dolphin piles and a connecting link to the existing pier structure.”

“The Tilbury Town Fund bid seeks to revitalise Tilbury’s Riverside and strengthen its connection to the town centre. This will be achieved by increasing activity in the area and enhancing its existing heritage assets. A central feature of the redevelopment is the installation of a new pontoon, linked to the current Tilbury Landing Stage, designed to support expanded river passenger services. The upgraded pier will enable river bus access to central London.”

Officer report

The site and surroundings

The landing stage is beside the London International Cruise Terminal and within the settings of listed buildings and Tilbury Fort.

“The landing stage is located at Tilbury Riverside, adjacent to the London International Cruise Terminal. Tilbury Riverside Station is grade II* Listed and includes the baggage hall, the station, the floating landing stage and linking walkways. The Site is also within the setting of the grade II World’s End Inn (List UID: 1111632) and the Scheduled Monument Tilbury Fort (List UID: 1021092).”

“The north of the site is within a Primary Industrial and Commercial land designation within the Core Strategy.”

Officer report

Earlier applications

Earlier permissions covered works to Riverside Station, a proposed pier extension, a replacement dolphin, lighting masts and a passenger shelter.

“Stations support space to achieve a number of lettable units for creative tenants. 4. Internal alterations to the former ticket office to create a new permanent exhibition area. 5. Approved 8 May 2025 Modification to existing WCs and creation of new DDA WC and hanging Places facility. 6. External masonry repairs and window replacement with double glazed heritage metal framed windows. 7. Formation of two new openings in the Stations rear elevation. 8.”

“Approved 16/00050/LBC Removal of existing lighting masts (2No.) on the Cruise Terminal Landing stage and replacement with (2No) new lighting masts Approved 14/00275/TBC Install a passenger shelter and non-slip surface tiles to the existing landing stage used as a boarding and disembarkation point for ferry passengers. The landing stage is located at Tilbury Riverside, adjacent to the Approved…”

Officer report

Officers’ recommendation

Officers recommended approval because the proposal supported sustainable river transport, connectivity and economic activity, while remaining matters could be controlled by conditions.

“The proposal to extend the Tilbury Ferry Landing Stage will enhance sustainable river transport links to central London and bring public benefits through improved connectivity. The development will result in a low level of less than substantial harm to designated heritage assets, this is outweighed by the scheme’s transport and economic benefits. Key environmental, highways, and heritage concerns have been addressed, and remaining matters can be controlled by condition.”

“Approval, subject to the following conditions:”

Officer report

Consultation responses

Consultees raised no objections, subject where specified to conditions on highways, ecology, heritage, flooding and design.

“No objections subject to conditions. The applicant has addressed initial concerns through further discussion and submission of additional information. Conditions are requested to secure:”

“No objection, subject to detailed design considerations. Historic England acknowledges that the proposed pontoon extension will result in a degree of harm to the significance of the Grade II* listed Tilbury Riverside Station landing stage, due to changes to its historic form. However, the harm is considered limited and mitigated by the proposal’s subservient design and reversible construction method.”

Officer report

Public representations

A site notice, press advert and 12 notification letters produced no comments.

“A site notice was displayed on site, there was a press advert and 12 notifications letters were sent to nearby properties. No comments were received.”

Officer report

Who spoke

A speaker gave a statement covering both the pier application and the related listed-building application.

Members’ discussion

Members asked about benefits for Tilbury residents, construction timing and parking, and welcomed the improvement and river commuting opportunities.

“Members queried how this will benefit residents of Tilbury. It was confirmed that it has been designed with the Thames Clipper in mind, and they are working with local stakeholders to re-establish and deliver services from the pontoon. In addition to this they are working with Thames Estuary to source funding to reinstate the ferry from Tilbury to Gravesend.”

“Members agreed it was an impressive improvement and the funding from the ferry would be welcomed. Members also welcomed the promotion of using Thames Clipper to commute.”

Minutes

The decision

The committee approved the recommendation to grant planning permission subject to conditions.

“Recommendation That the Chief Planning Officer be authorised to GRANT planning permission for the development, subject to conditions.”

Minutes