2,850-home scheme developed by Swan Housing and Urban Catalyst given the nod by Thurrock council

Plans were approved last week for nearly 3,000 new homes in Purfleet, Essex, around half of which will be built using modular construction techniques.

Thurrock council approved plans by Purfleet Centre Regeneration – a joint venture between Swan Housing Association and developer Urban Catalyst – to build up to 2,850 new homes as part of a £1bn regeneration scheme for the town.

The pair said the scheme had the “broad support” of local people, who had been “extensively involved” in framing the development’s masterplan.

As well as the new homes, plans for Purfleet on Thames include a 1 million ft² television, film and creatives industry complex, plus refurbishments to the town’s existing railway station, a new health centre and two new schools.

The scheme will boost Swan Housing’s ongoing modular ambitions, after the group confirmed it would be building nearly 800 homes – most of which will also be constructed offsite – in nearby Basildon and Laindon.

The Purfleet development is subject to details being agreed by Purfleet Centre Regeneration, Thurrock council and other stakeholders.

John Synnuck, Swan Housing’s chief executive, said the approval of its plans for the regeneration of Purfleet “reflects both our long-term relationship with Thurrock council, which is at the heart of Purfleet Centre Regeneration’s delivery strategy, and our engagement with the local community.

“We will now all work together to create a thriving environment that provides much-needed new homes and services, alongside significant employment and educational opportunities for the local community.”