Castle Point is a relatively small local authority area just 45 square kilometres in size, with a population of 88,000 people. It sits at the heart of the Thames Gateway South Essex sub-region on the northern bank of the Thames Estuary between the larger settlements of Basildon and Southend. It comprises of the towns of Benfleet, Canvey Island, Hadleigh and Thundersley. 

Canvey Island is the largest town in Castle Point with a population of around 40,000 people. The borough's largest town centre and largest employment estate (Charfleets Industrial Estate) are both located on Canvey Island. 

Canvey Island is separated from the other towns in Castle Point by a series of creeks and other natural features which provide it with a unique character. The western part of the Island is largely undeveloped and largely covered by an ancient marshland system recently enhanced by the RSPB as a nature reserve. Holehaven Creek is designated as a SSSI, and has been identified as a potential Special Protection Area (SPA). Canvey Wick is also designated as a SSSI. There are also several Local Wildlife Sites to the west of Canvey Island, making it an important location for rare species including rare species of invertebrates, and also for the Great Crested Newt - a protected species. These areas of nature conservation importance contribute towards the quality and diversity of the Greater Thames Marshes Nature Improvement Area. 

The towns of Benfleet, Hadleigh and Thundersley sit on the mainland between settlements in Basildon and Southend boroughs and have a combined population of 48,000 people. Each of these towns has its own shopping area. There are also two main employment areas at Manor Trading Estate in Thundersley and at Stadium Way in Hadleigh. Stadium Way is also the location of the borough's main out of centre shopping area. 

The land on the mainland area is more varied in terms of topography and landscape, and these features acts to create an attractive and green environment, and also form the separation between the three towns. Included within this landscape are a number of ancient woodland and grassland systems including three sites of special scientific interest (SSSIs) and the Benfleet and Southend Marshes SPA/Ramsar site, important for its assemblage of migratory bird species. 

The Thames Estuary is a significant feature in the landscape of Castle Point. It has, and will continue to play an influential role in the natural environment and scope of development within the borough. 

Castle Point is well connected with the wider south Essex area, and London by the highway and railway network. The A13, A127 and A130 pass through Castle Point linking the borough with opportunities in south Essex, London and other locations nearby. The railway service provides fast, direct connections to Basildon, London and Southend, and also connecting services to Thurrock.

Castle Point Borough Council	Local guidance	Countywide / Subregional	Not currently available
Local Development Plan
Adopted Local Plan	●
Draft Local Plan			●
Development Viability
Developer Contributions	●
Greater Essex Growth and Infrastructure Framework (GIF)		●
Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL)	●
Development and Urban Design
Neighbourhood planning			●
Planning Policy	●
Design Guidance	●
Parking Policy			●
Health and Wellbeing
Health Impact Assessment(HIA)		●
Accessible and Adaptable Dwellings		●
National Space Standards		●
Essex Insight Public Health Profile		●
Open Space Appraisal			●
Open Space Strategy			●
Playing Pitch Assessment	●
Climate Change and Flood Risk
Strategic Flood Risk Assessment (SFRA)	●
Water Cycle Study	●
Surface Water Management Plan (SWMP)		●
Sustainable Drainage Systems Design Guide		●
Environment Quality
Landscape Character Assessment			●
Green Space Strategy			●
Historic Characterisation			●
Local Wildlife Site Review	●
Conservation Appraisal	●
Transport and Communications Infrastructure
Highways Standards	●
Cycling Strategy		●
Local Transport Plan		●
Protected Lanes			●
Economy & Retails
Economic Development Needs Assessment (EDNA)	●
Retail Needs Assessment	●
Housing
Strategic Housing Market Assessment (SHMA)	●
Strategic Housing Land Availability Assessment (SHLAA)	●
Gypsy & Traveller Accommodation Assessment	●	●
Green Belt
Green Belt Functions Assessment	●
Green Belt Landscape Assessment	●
Green Belt Boundary Review	●