Carter Jonas continually monitors the planning and development landscape across local authorities to locate and manage opportunities. This quarterly news bulletin provides insight and analysis of the current development climate for clusters of local authorities within the home counties. This quarter we look at Hertfordshire and Essex.
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OCTOBER 2021
Hertfordshire and Essex
Local Authority insight
Development drivers
Welwyn Hatfield Examination
Essex
In Spring 2018, Dacorum Borough Council, Hertsmere Borough Council, St. Albans and City District Council, Three Rivers District Council and Watford Borough Council (with support from Hertfordshire County Council) agreed to begin work on a Joint Strategic Plan (JSP) for south-west Hertfordshire.
The SWHJSP will contain strategic allocations and policies, including an overall spatial strategy and a distributed amount of housing, employment and supporting infrastructure to be provided up to the year 2050. Each Council will remain responsible for preparing its own Local Plan (including development management and allocations), although the SWHJSP will provide a platform for these documents and become part of each individual Council’s Local Plan.
Key issues for the SWHJSP will include tackling long-standing affordability issues in the area, as well as provision of infrastructure.
The SWHJSP will be informed by a Strategic Growth Locations Study (currently being produced) that will identify Strategic Areas of Growth. This is expected to be published alongside an Issues and Options (Regulation 18) consultation (see below).
It is envisaged that the South Essex JSP will provide a high-level, statutory planning framework for the whole South Essex area, with individual Local Plans produced by the authorities to include place-shaping tools and detailed policies and guidance (including allocation).
In Summer 2017, Basildon Borough Council, Brentwood Borough Council, Castle Point Borough Council, Rochford District Council, Southend-on-Sea Borough Council and Thurrock Council (alongside Essex County Council) set out intentions to develop a long-term growth ambition across the South Essex sub-region. These authorities form the Association of South Essex Local Authorities (ASELA).
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Contact the key contributors to this research:
*Due to the outbreak of COVID-19 these provisional dates are subject to change.
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Glossary
EMAIL DAVID
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Partner, Planning
David Churchill
EMAIL FRANCIS
07787 282092
Partner, Strategic Land
Francis Truss
Our regional planning experts work out of five hubs, providing a truly national service for their clients:
EMAIL KATY
07968 562702
London
Katy Davis
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07920 822527
North
Sarah Cox
EMAIL STEVEN
07970 796762
South and South West
Steven Sensecall
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07771 924426
East
Colin Brown
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Glossary
It has been almost five years since Welwyn Hatfield Borough Council submitted its Welwyn Hatfield Local Plan 2013-2032 to the Secretary of State for Examination in May 2017. This makes it the longest (currently) running examination process in England, according to Planning Inspectorate (PINS) statistics.
In this comment piece, we take a look at what can only be described as the “saga” associated with this Examination and reflect on what lessons can (and are currently being) learnt.
View article
EMAIL robert
07771 898954
National Strategic Land
Robert Smith
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07557 428136
National Masterplanning
Johnny Clayton
Our national service specialists:
Critical calendar dates
Planning Appendix
This phase of Local Plan production takes place following the result of the Inspector(s) examination. Dependent on the outcome, this can involve adoption of the document through the Council’s democratic process; withdrawal of the document from examination (an acknowledgement that the document cannot be adopted); or legal challenge (either against the Inspector(s) judgement and/or the Council’s decision to adopt the document by an interested third party).
Post-Examination
More formally referred to as an Examination in Public (EiP), this phase of Local Plan production involves an examination undertaken by appointed Planning Inspector(s). The document is examined on its legal compliance and soundness, typically through a focus on various issues through hearing sessions and/or written exchanges with interested parties. It can often result in further rounds of consultation, including consideration of new/amended evidence and/or proposed modifications to the document’s content.
To pass the examination, an Inspector(s) is required to publish a ‘final report’ that concludes that the document (inclusive of any modifications) is both sound and legally compliant. The Inspector(s) can choose to recommend that the document is not adopted and/or that the document is withdrawn at any stage.
This is often a lengthy process that typically takes 8-24 months.
Examination
This phase of Local Plan production represents the chosen strategy, collection of policies and supporting evidence base that a Council considers is legally compliant and sound. The Council are required to undertake consultation on this final position (also known as a pre-submission draft), prior to the submission of the emerging Local Plan document for Examination.
Regulation 19
This phase of Local Plan production involves an exploration of the potential vision, objectives and policy options (including potential development sites) for the defined planned area – including the production and/or review of supporting evidence base documents. This phase can often take place over several consultation stages, including (but not required/limited) to:
• Early evidence gathering (such as questionnaires and internal evidence gathering) • Call for sites • Issues and options
• Preferred options • Draft policies
Regulation 18
Planning Appendix
This phase of Local Plan production takes place following the result of the Inspector(s) examination. Dependent on the outcome, this can involve adoption of the document through the Council’s democratic process; withdrawal of the document from examination (an acknowledgement that the document cannot be adopted); or legal challenge (either against the Inspector(s) judgement and/or the Council’s decision to adopt the document by an interested third party).
Post-Examination
More formally referred to as an Examination in Public (EiP), this phase of Local Plan production involves an examination undertaken by appointed Planning Inspector(s). The document is examined on its legal compliance and soundness, typically through a focus on various issues through hearing sessions and/or written exchanges with interested parties. It can often result in further rounds of consultation, including consideration of new/amended evidence and/or proposed modifications to the document’s content.
To pass the examination, an Inspector(s) is required to publish a ‘final report’ that concludes that the document (inclusive of any modifications) is both sound and legally compliant. The Inspector(s) can choose to recommend that the document is not adopted and/or that the document is withdrawn at any stage.
This is often a lengthy process that typically takes 8-24 months.
Examination
This phase of Local Plan production represents the chosen strategy, collection of policies and supporting evidence base that a Council considers is legally compliant and sound. The Council are required to undertake consultation on this final position (also known as a pre-submission draft), prior to the submission of the emerging Local Plan document for Examination.
Regulation 19
This phase of Local Plan production involves an exploration of the potential vision, objectives and policy options (including potential development sites) for the defined planned area – including the production and/or review of supporting evidence base documents. This phase can often take place over several consultation stages, including (but not required/limited) to:
• Early evidence gathering (such as questionnaires and internal evidence gathering) • Call for sites • Issues and options
• Preferred options • Draft policies
Regulation 18
Hertfordshire
Please use the map below to reveal the Local Plan position,
5-year housing land supply and recent Housing Delivery Test (HDT) results for the Hertfordshire authorities.
At the present, the expected programme for the production of the SWHJSP is as follows:
• Issues and Options (Regulation 18): Early 2022
• Preferred Options (Regulation 18): Mid-2022
• Pre-submission (Regulation 19): Mid-2023;
• Submission to Secretary of State: End 2023;
• Examination: Early 2024;
• Adoption: 2024.
The evidence base for the South Essex JSP already includes the South Essex Strategic Growth Locations Study (May 2020) (prepared by Stantec, David Lock Associates and Cushman & Wakefield) which has identified several possibilities for new settlements and expansions to existing settlements to address development needs for the sub-region. An Issues Paper on a range of topics including housing, employment and environment is currently being prepared and is expected to be consulted upon in 2021.
Housing Delivery Test glossary
Development drivers
South West Hertfordshire Joint Spatial Plan (SWHJSP)
South Essex Joint Spatial Plan (JSP)
Critical calendar dates
The Welwyn Hatfield Examination Saga: Where are we now?
HOME COUNTIES
HOUSING & LOCAL
PLAN UPDATE
10 minute read
november 2020
HOME COUNTIES
HOUSING & LOCAL
PLAN UPDATE
Hertfordshire and Essex
Carter Jonas continually monitors the planning and development landscape across local authorities to locate and manage opportunities. This quarterly news bulletin provides insight and analysis of the current development climate for clusters of local authorities within the home counties. This quarter we look at Hertfordshire and Essex.
CONTACT US
Welwyn Hatfield ARTICLE
Carter Jonas continually monitors the planning and development landscape across local authorities to locate and manage opportunities. This quarterly news bulletin provides insight and analysis of the current development climate for clusters of local authorities within the home counties. This quarter we look at Hertfordshire and Essex.
Please use the map below to reveal the Local Plan position,5-year housing land supply and recent Housing Delivery Test (HDT) results for the Hertfordshire authorities.
Hertfordshire
Broxbourne
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Eastbourne
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Eastbourne
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Eastbourne
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Eastbourne
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Brighton
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Brighton
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Brighton
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Brighton
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Brighton
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Brighton
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Essex
EMAIL DAVID
07866 794560
Partner, Planning
David Churchill
EMAIL FRANCIS
07787 282092
Partner, Strategic Land
EMAIL NICK
07968 562702
London
Katy Davis
EMAIL STEVEN
07970 796762
South and South West
Steven Sensecall
EMAIL COLIN
07771 924426
East
Colin Brown
Contact the key contributors to this research:
EMAIL ROBERT
07771 898954
National Strategic Land
Robert Smith
EMAIL JOHNNY
07557 428136
National Masterplanning
Johnny Clayton
Our national service specialists:
Our regional planning experts work out of five hubs, providing a truly national service for their clients:
SIGN UP TO RECEIVE OUR PLANNING & DEVELOPMENT RESEARCH AND ARTICLES
The upgrade of associated station enhancement works (including enhancing accessibility and extending platforms) at Ilford and Romford stations in Essex are experiencing challenges that may affect the overall schedule for its operation due to Covid-19. However, they are currently on track to be fully open by the end of 2021.
As of July 2021, the target remains for Crossrail to come into full passenger service in the central section in the first half of 2022, with a trial running programme underway to ensure it will be operational upon its launch.
Outside of the central section, Crossrail is now broadly in full operation (including the use of upgraded, purpose-built train stock) on the Liverpool Street – Shenfield branch in the east, as well as the London Paddington – Heathrow Terminal 5 branch in the west.
Crossrail
In July 2021, the Council filed for Judicial Review into the decision. A decision on whether this will be heard High Court has yet to be made.
A decision to dismiss plans for capacity expansions to Stansted Airport by Uttlesford District Council, originally submitted in February 2018, was overturned and approved by the Planning Inspectorate at appeal in May 2021.
Stansted Airport
You can keep up to date with Local Plan progression, 5YHLS position and call for sites opportunities through our
You can keep up to date with Local Plan progression, 5YHLS position and call for sites opportunities through our
Select a section of the map below to reveal the Local Plan position, 5-year housing land supply and recent Housing Delivery Test (HDT) results for the Essex authorities.
Live Local Plan Monitor
Live Local Plan Monitor
Housing Delivery Test glossary
EMAIL JAMES
07764 841081
Planner
James Ellis
But what impact would these recommendations, if implemented, have on our planning system and what could they mean for developers? Our planning and development professionals have considered this essential question.
EMAIL FRANCIS
07764 841081
Planner
Francis Truss
James Ellis
EMAIL NEAL
07920 822527
North
Sarah Cox
You can keep up to date with Local Plan progression, 5YHLS position and call for sites opportunities through our
Live Local Plan Monitor
Select a section of the map below to reveal the Local Plan position, 5-year housing land supply and recent Housing Delivery Test (HDT) results for the Essex authorities.
You can keep up to date with Local Plan progression, 5YHLS position and call for sites opportunities through our
Live Local Plan Monitor
5-year housing supply:
A proposed connection from Luton Airport to Luton Parkway train station via an autonomous rail link is scheduled to open in 2022.
In May 2021, it was announced that a proposed expansion to Luton Airport would be subject to a further four delay and would be revised to a reduced capacity. The proposed second terminal is planned to be constructed by 2045 instead of 2041.
Luton Airport
A significant issue for the South Essex JSP will be addressing excess housing need from Greater London (particularly in Thurrock) and finding suitable growth solutions to meet the needs of a heavily constrained Southend-on-Sea.
As part of emergency Covid-19 funding provided to Transport for London (TfL) from the Government, the Crossrail 2 project is currently on hold – including ongoing consultancy work. Potential destinations include Broxbourne and Cheshunt. Whilst the project is currently on hold, land will continue to remain safeguarded.
In October 2020, Highways England withdrew its application for a Development Consent Order (DCO) following comments from the Planning Inspectorate requiring further information on construction and environmental impacts of the scheme, amongst others.
The Lower Thames Crossing is the third proposed crossing east of
London (though QEII Bridge and Dartford tunnels effectively form just
one crossing).
Lower Thames Crossing
A Community Impacts consultation recently closed in September 2021.
The originally planned scheduled opening for 2027/28 will likely be delayed until a new DCO is submitted. No new timescales for resubmission have
been announced.
The selected freeports will benefit from enhanced support for Local Development Orders (LDOs) and a share of £175 million of seed capital funding to help deliver regeneration and infrastructure improvements to
the local area.
The Thames Freeport is an economic zone connecting Ford’s engine plant in Dagenham to the global ports of London Gateway and Tilbury Dock. The Freeport is expected to secure more than £1 billion in new port infrastructure and more than 25,000 new direct and indirect jobs within the zone.
In the March 2021 Budget, the ‘Thames Freeport’ was announced as one of eight new freeports in the UK which the government hopes will act as national hubs for global trade and investment in the UK, promote regional regeneration and job creation and be hotbeds of innovation.
Thames Freeport
Highways England propose to both widen and improve the A12 between Junction 19 (Chelmsford) and Junction 25 (A120 interchange) with the aim of reducing traffic congestion and coping with increasing traffic demands.
Highways England have undertaken several rounds of consultation and expect to submit a DCO to the Planning Inspectorate in Spring/Summer 2022. Subject to approval, it is expected the project will start in 2023/2024 and be completed in 2027/2028 at a cost of between £1-1.2 billion.
The A12 is an important economic link in Essex and across the east of England, providing a main south-west/north-east route through Essex and Suffolk, connecting Ipswich to London and the M25. It also acts as an important commuter route between Chelmsford and Colchester, with connections providing onward access to Braintree and Felixstowe and Harwich ports.
A12 (Chelmsford) to A120 widening scheme
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Epping Forest
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Rochford
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