PLANS to transform Lakeside into a town by building 3,000 new homes, shops and leisure facilities are being looked into by councillors.

The plans, still in the very early stages, hope to take pressure off green belt land by building the homes near the shopping centre in West Thurrock.

Councillors have set up a committee to discuss the plans and said talks are currently taking place between businesses and landowners.

Garry Hague, former leader of Thurrock Council said: “I think it’s going to be a great thing for Lakeside and really put us on the map.

“The roads also have to be greatly improved before the building starts and the consultation needs to be done properly.

“Many more jobs will also be created for the area, and this will help with the unemployment in Thurrock. I am really behind this project.”

Plans were first mooted in 2008, but haven’t moved forward until last week when the council group was set up.

The development would also include a new doctor’s surgery, schools and community facilities.

Labour councillor Bukky Okunade, chairman of the scrutiny panel looking at the plans added: “This is fantastic news for Lakeside and Thurrock. We want to have a centre for international leisure and lots of new homes.

“The right infrastructure needs to be put in place and improvements to junctions 30 and 31 will be part of the plans.

“I’m pleased with the progress and we will be keeping a careful eye on the progress.”

“In the beginning the masterplan did not include houses but we want to be able to take the pressure off the green belt.

A spokesman for Captial Shopping Centres, which owns Lakeside, added: “Making Lakeside a town centre will really mark it out as an important location and I am sure many people will be pleased to see these plans come to fruition.”