The giant logistics park planned for DP World’s London Gateway site, has taken another step forward after Thurrock Council adopted a Local Development Order (LDO) to authorise its construction and operation.
The 222 hectare site is set to become Europe’s largest logistics park. The ten-year LDO allows the development of a total of 9 million sq ft of commercial floor-space, including warehouses, storage and distribution facilities, research and industrial buildings without the need for individual planning applications.
It also enables associated infrastructure, including internal roads, on-site parking and drainage, as well as site preparation works, to be undertaken in a stream-lined planning process.
Marks & Spencer announced in June that it was investing £200m in a 900,000 sq ft distribution centre at the park.
Environ, the environmental, health, safety and sustainability consultancy, has advised DP World in support of the LDO. Principal Andy McVey said: “By developing a robust environmental framework we can help assure Thurrock Council that future development will be delivered in line with its vision and without greater environmental impact on the local area, while allowing the park’s commercial potential to be realised as quickly and smoothly as possible.”
The logistics park sits alongside the new London Gateway port. Together they are expected to create up to 13,000 jobs.
