Major step forward in campaign for improved access to Canvey Island

For many years, residents have highlighted the need for improved access both on and off the Island. While the Council has consistently supported the case for improvements, securing recognition of the project within wider transport and planning strategies is an important step towards attracting future investment.

The Council can now confirm that the need for improved access to Canvey Island is recognised within a number of key strategic documents that will help strengthen future bids for Government funding.

Last week, Essex County Council's Local Transport Plan 4 was approved following close collaboration between district and borough councils across Essex and Essex County Council. As a result of ongoing engagement with Castle Point Borough Council, the Plan recognises the importance of improving access to Canvey Island as part of wider transport proposals for South Essex.

In addition, the need for improved access to Canvey Island has been specifically identified within a policy in the emerging Thurrock Local Plan, mirroring a policy already included in the Council's own emerging local plan, The Castle Point Plan. The Council welcomed the inclusion of the policy in its response to the consultation on 13 October.

These developments build on the project's existing inclusion within the Transport East Strategic Investment Plan, which identifies regional infrastructure priorities across the East of England.

The Council has also continued to press the case directly with Government. In December 2025, the Leader and Deputy Leader wrote to the Secretary of State for Transport highlighting the importance of improved access to and from Canvey Island. In response, Roads Minister Simon Lightwood MP recognised the importance of access to and from the Island and encouraged the Council to continue making the case through emerging regional transport arrangements and future funding opportunities.

While inclusion within these strategic documents will not deliver improvements on its own, it represents an important milestone. Recognition across multiple local, regional and county-level plans strengthens the Council's ability to work with partners, engage with Government and pursue the funding needed to deliver improved access for residents, businesses and visitors.

Cllr Dave Blackwell, Leader of Castle Point Borough Council, said: "Improving access to and from Canvey Island has been a long-standing priority for this administration. 

"While there is still more work to do, we are now in a much stronger position to make the case for investment and funding. We will continue working with our partners to ensure Canvey Island's needs are fully recognised and represented."

Cllr Tim Copsey, Portfolio Holder for Strategic Planning, said: " Ensuring improved access to Canvey Island is reflected in these important strategic documents and provides a solid foundation for future discussions with Government and funding bodies.

"This is a significant achievement for the Council and demonstrates our continued commitment to securing the infrastructure improvements that local people have been calling for."