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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Jan 2023
Local Authority insight
Regional comment piece
Essex
Hertfordshire County Council (HCC - advised by Carter Jonas) finalised its partnership - at Baldock - with Urban & Civic in March 2022. This will see Urban & Civic acting as the master developer for this long-term project – shaping the emerging ‘place’, delivering financial returns and securing a planning permission.
The site is made up of eight elements which have been allocated in the recently adopted North Hertfordshire Local Plan (with 1,960 of these homes anticipated to be delivered during the plan period to 2031).
A comprehensive and deliverable Strategic Masterplan for the entire allocation is to be prepared and agreed between Urban & Civic and HCC. HCC will receive financial receipts over an elongated period (through the life of the development).
Contact francis
contact francis
Contact the key contributors to this research:
*Due to the outbreak of COVID-19 these provisional dates are subject to change.
EMAIL DAVID
07866 794560
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
EMAIL SARAH
07920 822527
North
Sarah Cox
EMAIL STEVEN
07970 796762
South and South West
Steven Sensecall
EMAIL COLIN
07771 924426
East
Colin Brown
explore the list for more information
Glossary
EMAIL robert
07771 898954
National Strategic Land
Robert Smith
EMAIL johnny
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.
Development drivers
Critical calendar dates
Hertfordshire County Council’s partnership with Urban and Civic to deliver 3,360 new homes over the next 20 years in Baldock
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
Home Counties & Housing Update
Hertfordshire and Essex
Welwyn Hatfield
Local Plan position
Acro
WH
Welwyn Hatfield
Authority
Reg 24
Stage
2023
Anticipated Adoption
Insight
Welwyn Hatfield Local Plan
Emerging
document
The Plan is at an advanced stage of examination. A scheduled adoption date is currently undetermined but is estimated to be some time in 2023.
.
Can demonstrate a 5YHLS?
Updated Housing Trajectory and Housing Supply Statement December 2020
Where and
When?
63%
(Presumption)
HDT Score (Action) 2020
66%
(Presumption)
HDT Score (Action) 2021
5-Year Housing Supply
Insight
The latest confirmed position for Welwyn Hatfield is 5.1 years (2020) and the Council can therefore demonstrate a 5YHLS. The emerging plan for Welwyn Hatfield is at a very late stage and there is extensive Green Belt coverage in the District, and as such speculative development opportunities are likely to be limited.
Local Plan position
Acro
B
Broxbourne
Authority
N/A
Stage
N/A
Anticipated Adoption
Insight
No emerging
Local Plan
Emerging
document
he Council has not yet confirmed a timescale for a review of the Local Plan but are legally required to review its policies and adopt a new plan by July 2025
Can demonstrate a 5YHLS?
Authority Monitoring Report 2021-2022
Where and
When?
74%
(Presumption)
HDT Score (Action) 2020
72%
(Presumption)
HDT Score (Action) 2021
5-Year Housing Supply
Insight
The latest confirmed position for Broxbourne is 5.17 years (2021) and the Council can therefore demonstrate a 5YHLS. There is no emerging plan for Broxbourne and the extensive Green Belt in the Borough and therefore speculative development opportunities are likely to be severely limited.
Colchester Local Plan Section 2: approved despite concerns over Ministry of Defence land
Having adopted Section 1 of its Local Plan in 2021 - which provides the strategic policy context - Colchester adopted Section 2 of its Local Plan in July 2022, incorporating the policy framework, site allocations and development management policies for the Borough up to 2033. Section 2 of the Plan was not adopted without controversy, with the 1,000-unit allocation of the Ministry of Defence-owned Middlewick Ranges facing considerable objection from local residents.
53ha of the 76ha site is acid grassland which supports a range of protected species including invertebrates, breeding birds and bats and is a well-used recreational space, particularly by dog walkers. As such, the allocation specifies that planning applications for the site must meet a series of conditions, including a detailed masterplan and a long term (minimum 30-year) management and monitoring of retained protected habitats.
According to Martin Goss, chairman of the Local Planning Committee, the allocation of the site was to stop speculative development and give the Council greater control over the spatial development of the Borough.
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.
Since last year’s update (link below), the joint councils have undertaken consultation on the ‘Realising Our Potential’ document which closed in November 2022. The document has set six ‘pillars’ which will support the joint councils in achieving their vision and are as follows:
The inspector concluded that the site was suitable for allocation as it would make a significant contribution to the Council’s housing requirements, and the effect of removing the site from the Green Belt would be limited. Weight was also given to the fact that the development of the site was in a location consistent with the spatial strategy and would not reduce public access to open space or significantly erode the character of the locality.
Progress of the SWHJSP
• Living green in a healthy natural environment
• Growing opportunities to work locally
• Living in healthy, thriving local communities
• Moving easily in well connected places
• Building homes and places that people are proud of
• Delivering robust and sustainable infrastructure
Brookfield (including Brookfield Garden Village) is a comprehensively planned garden suburb encompassing a retail, civic, business and leisure centre for the Borough of Broxbourne. The Borough of Broxbourne’s Local Plan was agreed in 2020 and 3 separate planning applications (relating to infrastructure/changes to the golf course, housing and mixed-use development) were submitted in 2022. The applicants include Sovereign Peveril Brookfield Limited (through Sovereign Centros) and the Borough of Broxbourne and Hertfordshire County Council. The comprehensiveness, scale and breadth of the development (in terms of the mix of uses and reprovision of Council services such as waste recycling) contrasts the proposals to some other housing led urban extensions and has the clear potential to re-position the locality. Carter Jonas is advising on the planning and development of different aspects of this complex scheme.
Brookfield Garden Village
Elmbridge
EL
Bracknell Forest
BF
Reading
R
Slough
S
West Berkshire
WB
West Berkshire
WB
B
EH
WH
D
H
SA
S
TR
W
NH
Welwyn Hatfield
WH
Watford
W
Three Rivers
TR
Stevenage
S
St Albans
SA
North Hertfordshire
NH
Hertsmere
H
East Hertfordshire
EH
Dacorum
D
Broxbourne
B
Broxbourne
Local Plan position
Acro
B
Broxbourne
Authority
N/A
Stage
N/A
Anticipated Adoption
Insight
No Emerging Local Plan
Emerging
document
The Council has not yet confirmed a timescale for a review of the Local Plan but are legally required to review its policies and adopt a new plan
by July 2025.
Can demonstrate a 5YHLS?
Authority Monitoring Report 2021-2022
Where and
When?
74%
(Presumption)
HDT Score (Action) 2020
72%
(Presumption)
HDT Score (Action) 2021
5-Year Housing Supply
Insight
The latest confirmed position for Broxbourne is 5.17 years (2021) and the Council can therefore demonstrate a 5YHLS. There is no emerging plan for Broxbourne and the extensive Green Belt in the Borough and therefore speculative development opportunities are likely to be severely limited.
Dacorum
Local Plan position
Acro
D
Dacorum
Authority
Reg 18
Stage
October 2025
Anticipated Adoption
Insight
Dacorum Local Plan
Emerging
document
The Plan was at a moderately advanced stage as Council undertook an Emerging Strategy for Growth consultation (Reg 18) between November 2020 and February 2021, although progress on the Plan has since stalled with Reg 19 consultation now not scheduled until June/July 2024.
The Council is also in the process of establishing the South Hertfordshire Joint Strategic Plan alongside Hertsmere, St Albans, Three Rivers and Watford Councils. Please see ‘Development Drivers’ for more detail.
.
Can demonstrate a 5YHLS?
Authority Monitoring Reports 19-20 (December 2021)
Where and
When?
89%
(Action Plan)
HDT Score (Action) 2020
87%
(Action Plan)
HDT Score (Action) 2021
5-Year Housing Supply
Insight
The latest confirmed position for Dacorum is 3.2 years (2021) and the Council cannot therefore demonstrate a 5YHLS. The Council have an ongoing Call for Sites. Speculative opportunities could be explored once this closes (closing date tbc) although the District is considerably constrained by the Green Belt.
East Hertfordshire
Local Plan position
Acro
EH
East Hertfordshire
Authority
N/A
Stage
N/A
Anticipated Adoption
Insight
No emerging Local Plan
Emerging
document
The East Herts District Plan 2018 was adopted in October 2018.
The Council has not yet confirmed a timescale for a review of the Local Plan but are legally required to review its policies and adopt a new plan by October 2023.
.
Can demonstrate a 5YHLS?
Five Year Land Supply Position Statement (October 2019)
Where and
When?
104%
(None)
HDT Score (Action) 2020
130%
(None)
HDT Score (Action) 2021
5-Year Housing Supply
Insight
The latest confirmed position for East Hertfordshire is 5.6 years (2019). The Council can therefore demonstrate 5YHLS and has an excellent track record in terms of housing delivery. Speculative development opportunities are therefore likely to be severely limited.
Hertsmere
Local Plan position
Acro
H
Hertsmere
Authority
Reg 18
Stage
TBC
Anticipated Adoption
Insight
A new Local Plan for Hertsmere
Emerging
document
In April 2022, the Council agreed to stop working on its previous Reg 18 Local Plan but to continue the Local Plan process. The Council are therefore continuing with technical work on a new Local Plan. It is anticipated that Reg 18 Consultation on a new draft will take place next year.
.
Can demonstrate a 5YHLS?
Five Year Housing Land Supply 2021/22 (September 2022)
Where and
When?
102%
(None)
HDT Score (Action) 2020
88%
(Action Plan)
HDT Score (Action) 2021
5-Year Housing Supply
Insight
The latest confirmed position for Hertsmere is 2.25 years (2022). The Council cannot therefore demonstrate 5YHLS, although have a good track record in terms of housing delivery. The District is severely constrained by the Green Belt although there should be opportunities to submit sites through the emerging Local Plan.
North Hertfordshire
Local Plan position
Acro
NH
North Hertfordshire
Authority
N/A
Stage
N/A
Anticipated Adoption
Insight
No emerging Local Plan
Emerging
document
The Council has not yet confirmed a timescale for a review of the Local Plan but are legally required to review its policies and adopt a new plan by November 2027.
.
Can demonstrate a 5YHLS?
Interim five-year land supply for decision-taking at 1st April 2021
Where and
When?
36%
(Presumption)
HDT Score (Action) 2020
49%
(Presumption)
HDT Score (Action) 2021
5-Year Housing Supply
Insight
The latest confirmed position for North Hertfordshire is 1.47 years (2021) and the Council cannot therefore demonstrate a 5YHLS and also has a poor track record in terms of housing delivery. The Council have recently adopted their Local Plan although speculative opportunities could be explored.
St Albans
Local Plan position
Acro
SA
St Albans
Authority
Reg 18
Stage
December 2025
Anticipated Adoption
Insight
St Albans City and District Local Plan
Emerging
document
The Plan is at an early stage of production. An Issues and Options (Reg 18) Consultation is scheduled for July – September 2023.
The Council is also in the process of establishing the South Hertfordshire Joint Strategic Plan alongside Dacorum, Hertsmere, Three Rivers and Watford Councils. Please see ‘Development Drivers’ for more detail.
.
Can demonstrate a 5YHLS?
Authority Monitoring Report (December 2021)
Where and
When?
63%
(Presumption)
HDT Score (Action) 2020
69%
(Presumption)
HDT Score (Action) 2021
5-Year Housing Supply
Insight
The latest confirmed position for St Albans is 2.2 years (2021) and the Council cannot therefore demonstrate a 5YHLS and has a poor track record in terms of housing delivery. Speculative opportunities could be limited due to the extensive Green Belt coverage in the District although there should be opportunities to submit sites through the emerging Local Plan.
Stevenage
Local Plan position
Acro
S
Stevenage
Authority
N/A
Stage
N/A
Anticipated Adoption
Insight
No emerging
Local Plan
Emerging
document
The Council has not yet confirmed a timescale for a review of the Local Plan but are legally required to review its policies and adopt a new plan by May 2024.
.
Can demonstrate a 5YHLS?
Five Year Housing Land Supply Update May 2022
Where and
When?
64%
(Presumption)
HDT Score (Action) 2020
79%
(Buffer)
HDT Score (Action) 2021
5-Year Housing Supply
Insight
The latest confirmed position for Stevenage is 5.91 years (2022) and the Council can therefore demonstrate a 5YHLS. There is no emerging plan for Stevenage and therefore speculative development opportunities are likely to be
severely limited.
Three Rivers
Local Plan position
Acro
TR
Three Rivers
Authority
Reg 18
Stage
Summer 2025
Anticipated Adoption
Insight
Three Rivers Local Plan
Emerging
document
The Plan is at a fairly early stage. The Council undertook consultation on the Local Plan (Preferred Policy Options and Sites for Potential Allocation (Reg 18) between June and August 2021. Further Reg 18 Consultation was scheduled for November / December 2022, although this is yet to commence.
The Council is also in the process of establishing the South Hertfordshire Joint Strategic Plan alongside Dacorum, Hertsmere, St Albans and Watford Councils. Please see ‘Development Drivers’ for more detail
.
Can demonstrate a 5YHLS?
Three Rivers Housing Land Supply 2021 (December 2021)
Where and
When?
54%
(Presumption)
HDT Score (Action) 2020
46%
(Presumption)
HDT Score (Action) 2021
5-Year Housing Supply
Insight
The latest confirmed position for Three Rivers is 1.9 years (2021) and the Council cannot therefore demonstrate a 5YHLS and has a poor track record in terms of housing delivery. Extensive Green Belt coverage in the District may somewhat limit speculative opportunities although there should be opportunities to submit sites through the emerging Local Plan.
Watford
Local Plan position
Acro
W
Watford
Authority
N/A
Stage
N/A
Anticipated Adoption
Insight
No emerging Local Plan
Emerging
document
The Council has not yet confirmed a timescale for a review of the Local Plan but are legally required to review its policies and adopt a new plan by
October 2027.
.
Can demonstrate a 5YHLS?
Watford 5-Year Housing Supply Statement
(March 2020)
Where and
When?
48%
(Presumption)
HDT Score (Action) 2020
48%
(Presumption)
HDT Score (Action) 2021
5-Year Housing Supply
Insight
The latest confirmed position for Watford is 5.21 years (2020) and the Council can therefore demonstrate a 5YHLS. There is no emerging plan for Watford and therefore speculative development opportunities are likely to be limited, although consideration should be given to the Council’s recent poor track record in terms of
housing delivery.
B
EH
WH
D
H
SA
S
TR
W
NH
Essex
Uttlesford
U
Thurrock
TH
Tendring
TE
Southend-on-Sea
S
Rochford
R
Maldon
M
Harlow
H
Epping Forest
EF
Colchester
CO
Chelmsford
CH
Castle Point
CP
Brentwood
BRE
Braintree
BR
Basildon
BA
BA
BR
BRE
CP
EF
S
TE
TH
CH
CO
R
U
M
H
explore the list for more information
Housing Delivery Test glossary
Glossary
Braintree
Local Plan position
Acro
BR
Braintree
Authority
N/A
Stage
N/A
Anticipated Adoption
Insight
No emerging Local Plan
Emerging
document
The Council has not yet confirmed a timescale for a review of the Local Plan but are legally required to review its policies and adopt a new plan by
July 2027.
Can demonstrate a 5YHLS?
Housing land supply statement 2022-2027 - April 2022
Where and
When?
85%
(Action Plan)
HDT Score (Action) 2020
125%
(None)
HDT Score (Action) 2021
5-Year Housing Supply
Insight
The latest confirmed position for Braintree is 4.86 years (2022) and the Council cannot therefore demonstrate a 5YHLS, although given that it is only slightly short of its 5YHLS and had an excellent 2021 in terms of housing delivery, speculative opportunities are likely to be limited.
Basildon
Local Plan position
Acro
BA
Basildon
Authority
Reg 18
Stage
Late 2027
Anticipated Adoption
Insight
Basildon Borough Local Plan
Emerging
document
The previous emerging Basildon Borough Local Plan was withdrawn in March 2022. The recently updated Local Development Scheme sets out a new timetable for the plan, with the first Reg 18 consultation estimated to take place in Q2 of 2023.
The Council is also part of the emerging South Essex 2050 Joint Spatial Plan, in coordination with Brentwood, Castle Point, Rochford, Southend-on-Sea and Thurrock councils (alongside Essex
County Council).
.
Can demonstrate a 5YHLS?
5 Year Housing Land Supply Report 2021-2026
Where and
When?
45%
(Presumption)
HDT Score (Action) 2020
41%
(Presumption)
HDT Score (Action) 2021
5-Year Housing Supply
Insight
The latest confirmed position for Basildon is 3.2 years (2021) and the Council cannot therefore demonstrate a 5YHLS and has a poor track record in terms of housing delivery. The Council is currently running a Call for Sites until 14th December. Speculative opportunities could be explored once this closes, although the extensive Green Belt coverage in the District may somewhat limit
such opportunities.
Brentwood
Local Plan position
Acro
BRE
Brentwood
Authority
N/A
Stage
N/A
Anticipated Adoption
Insight
No emerging Local Plan
Emerging
document
The Council has not yet confirmed a timescale for a review of the Local Plan but are legally required to review its policies and adopt a new plan by
March 2026.
The Council is also part of the emerging South Essex 2050 Joint Spatial Plan, in coordination with Basildon, Castle Point, Rochford, Southend-on-Sea and Thurrock councils (alongside Essex
County Council).
Can demonstrate a 5YHLS?
Five Year Housing Land Supply Statement as at 31 March 2021 (2021)
Where and
When?
69%
(Presumption)
HDT Score (Action) 2020
66%
(Presumption)
HDT Score (Action) 2021
5-Year Housing Supply
Insight
The latest confirmed position for Brentwood is 1.95 years (2021) and the Council cannot therefore demonstrate a 5YHLS and has a poor track record in terms of housing delivery. Extensive Green Belt coverage in the District may somewhat limit speculative opportunities, however.
Castle Point
Local Plan position
Acro
CP
Castle Point
Authority
Reg 18
Stage
TBC
Anticipated Adoption
Insight
Castle Point Local Plan
Emerging
document
The previous emerging Castle Point Local Plan was withdrawn in June 2022. The timetable for the work a new Plan has yet to be published.
Can demonstrate a 5YHLS?
Local Plan Housing Supply Update April 2021
Where and
When?
48%
(Presumption)
HDT Score (Action) 2020
49%
(Presumption)
HDT Score (Action) 2021
5-Year Housing Supply
Insight
The latest confirmed position for Castle Point is 5.2 years (2021) and the Council can therefore demonstrate 5YHLS. Extensive Green Belt coverage in the District may also limit speculative opportunities although there may be opportunities once work begins on the new Local Plan.
Chelmsford
Local Plan position
Acro
CH
Chelmsford
Authority
Reg 18
Stage
Early 2025
Anticipated Adoption
Insight
Chelmsford Local Plan
Emerging
document
The Council have begun work on a Review of their Local Plan and are at an early stage having recently undertaken Issues and Options consultation (Reg 18) which ran between August and October 2022. Further Reg 18 consultation on the Preferred Options is anticipated to take place in the coming months although dates are tbc.
Can demonstrate a 5YHLS?
Five-Year Housing Land Supply Position Statement – April 2022
Where and
When?
139%
(None)
HDT Score (Action) 2020
140%
(None)
HDT Score (Action) 2021
5-Year Housing Supply
Insight
The latest confirmed position for Chelmsford is 7.39 years (2022) so the Council can therefore demonstrate 5YHLS. The Council runs a rolling Call for Sites so sites can be submitted anytime.
Colchester
Local Plan position
Acro
CO
Colchester
Authority
N/A
Stage
N/A
Anticipated Adoption
Insight
No emerging Local Plan
Emerging
document
The Council has not yet confirmed a timescale for a review of the Local Plan but are legally required to review its policies and adopt a new plan by February 2026.
Can demonstrate a 5YHLS?
Housing Land Supply Position Statement 2021
Where and
When?
113%
(None)
HDT Score (Action) 2020
134%
(None)
HDT Score (Action) 2021
5-Year Housing Supply
Insight
The latest confirmed position for Colchester is 5.25 years (2022) the Council can therefore demonstrate 5YHLS. Given this, and the Council’s excellent track record in terms of housing delivery, speculative opportunities are likely to be severely limited.
Epping Forest
Local Plan position
Acro
EF
Epping Forest
Authority
Reg 24
Stage
2023
Anticipated Adoption
Insight
Epping Forest District Local Plan
Emerging
document
The Plan is at an advanced stage of production and is currently at Examination. Examination of the plan is at an advanced stage, with a Main Modifications consultation ongoing until
9th December.
Can demonstrate a 5YHLS?
Planning Insight (2021)
Where and
When?
49%
(Presumption)
HDT Score (Action) 2020
35%
(Presumption)
HDT Score (Action) 2021
5-Year Housing Supply
Insight
The latest confirmed position for Epping Forest is 2.43 years (2021) and the Council cannot therefore demonstrate a 5YHLS and has a poor track record in terms of housing delivery. Extensive Green Belt coverage in the District may somewhat limit speculative opportunities, however.
Harlow
Local Plan position
Acro
EF
Harlow
Authority
N/A
Stage
N/A
Anticipated Adoption
Insight
No emerging Local Plan
Emerging
document
The Council has not yet confirmed a timescale for a review of the Local Plan but are legally required to review its policies and adopt a new plan by December 2025.
Can demonstrate a 5YHLS?
Housing Land Supply Monitor 2020 to 2021
Where and
When?
134%
(None)
HDT Score (Action) 2020
208%
(None)
HDT Score (Action) 2021
5-Year Housing Supply
Insight
The latest confirmed position for Colchester is 6.4 years (2022) the Council can therefore demonstrate 5YHLS. Given this, and the Council’s excellent track record in terms of housing delivery, speculative opportunities are likely to be severely limited.
Maldon
Local Plan position
Acro
M
Maldon
Authority
Reg 18
Stage
Late Autumn 2023
Anticipated Adoption
Insight
Maldon Local Development Plan Review 2021+
Emerging
document
The Plan is at an early stage of production. The Council has begun work on the evidence base for the Plan although the Issues and Options (Reg 18) Consultation scheduled for Autumn 2021 has yet to take place and the programme for the plan is therefore likely to be delayed.
Can demonstrate a 5YHLS?
Housing Land Supply Statement - March 2022
Where and
When?
121%
(None)
HDT Score (Action) 2020
154%
(None)
HDT Score (Action) 2021
5-Year Housing Supply
Insight
The latest confirmed position for Maldon is 3.66 years (2022) and the Council cannot therefore demonstrate a 5YHLS. The Council currently has a Call for Sites open and speculative opportunities could also be explored once this closes.
Rochford
Local Plan position
Acro
R
Rochford
Authority
Reg 18
Stage
Autumn / Winter 2023
Anticipated Adoption
Insight
Rochford Local Plan
Emerging
document
The Plan is at an early stage of production. The Preferred Options (Reg 18) Consultation scheduled for Spring 2022 has yet to take place and the programme for the plan is therefore likely to
be delayed.
The Council is also part of the emerging South Essex 2050 Joint Spatial Plan, in coordination with Basildon, Brentwood, Castle Point, Southend-on-Sea and Thurrock councils (alongside Essex
County Council).
Can demonstrate a 5YHLS?
Authority Monitoring Report (19-20)
Where and
When?
95%
(None)
HDT Score (Action) 2020
103%
(None)
HDT Score (Action) 2021
5-Year Housing Supply
Insight
The latest confirmed position for Rochford is 5.53 years (2020) the Council can therefore demonstrate 5YHLS. Speculative opportunities are likely to be further limited by the extensive Green Belt coverage in District, although there may be opportunities to submit sites through the emerging Local Plan.
Southend-on-Sea
Local Plan position
Acro
S
Southend-on-Sea
Authority
Reg 18
Stage
Late 2023
Anticipated Adoption
Insight
Southend-on-Sea new
Local Plan
Emerging
document
The Plan is at an early stage of production. The Preferred Approach (Reg 18) Consultation scheduled for Autumn 2022 has yet to take place and the programme for the plan is therefore likely to be delayed.
The Council is also part of the emerging South Essex 2050 Joint Spatial Plan, in coordination with Basildon, Brentwood, Castle Point, Rochford and Thurrock councils (alongside Essex County Council).
Can demonstrate a 5YHLS?
Planning Insight (2021)
Where and
When?
36%
(Presumption)
HDT Score (Action) 2020
31%
(Presumption)
HDT Score (Action) 2021
5-Year Housing Supply
Insight
The latest confirmed position for Southend-on-Sea is 2.5 years (2021) and the Council cannot therefore demonstrate a 5YHLS and has a poor track record in terms of housing delivery. The Council runs a rolling Call for Sites so sites can be
submitted anytime.
Tendring
Local Plan position
Acro
TE
Tendring
Authority
N/A
Stage
N/A
Anticipated Adoption
Insight
No emerging
Local Plan
Emerging
document
The Council has not yet confirmed a timescale for a review of the Local Plan but are legally required to review its policies and adopt a new plan by January 2027.
Can demonstrate a 5YHLS?
Planning Policy And Local Plan Committee (2021)
Where and
When?
101%
(None)
HDT Score (Action) 2020
165%
(None)
HDT Score (Action) 2021
5-Year Housing Supply
Insight
The latest confirmed position for Tendring is 6.66 years (2021) the Council can therefore demonstrate 5YHLS. Given this, and the Council’s excellent track record in terms of housing delivery, speculative opportunities are likely to be severely limited.
Uttlesford
Local Plan position
Acro
U
Uttlesford
Authority
Reg 18
Stage
October 2025
Anticipated Adoption
Insight
New Uttlesford
Local Plan
Emerging
document
The Plan is at an early stage of production. The Council recently approved an updated Local Development Scheme which confirms that the draft Local Plan will be published for Consultation (Reg 18) in Summer 2023.
Can demonstrate a 5YHLS?
Housing Trajectory and Five-Year Land Supply (2021)
Where and
When?
129%
(None)
HDT Score (Action) 2020
99%
(None)
HDT Score (Action) 2021
5-Year Housing Supply
Insight
The latest confirmed position for Uttlesford is 3.52 years (2022). The Council cannot therefore demonstrate 5YHLS, although have a good track record in terms of housing delivery. Speculative opportunities could be explored and there may also be opportunities to submit sites through the emerging Local Plan.
Thurrock
Local Plan position
Acro
TH
Thurrock
Authority
Reg 18
Stage
TBC
Anticipated Adoption
Insight
Thurrock
Local Plan
Emerging
document
The Plan is at an early stage of production. The most recent round of consultation (Reg 18) concluded in March 2022. Further consultation is scheduled to take place next year, including on the initial draft (Reg 18).
Can demonstrate a 5YHLS?
Planning Insight (2021)
Where and
When?
59%
(Presumption)
HDT Score (Action) 2020
49%
(Presumption)
HDT Score (Action) 2021
5-Year Housing Supply
Insight
The latest confirmed position for Thurrock is 2.5 years (2021) and the Council cannot therefore demonstrate a 5YHLS and has a poor track record in terms of housing delivery. Extensive Green Belt coverage in the District may somewhat limit speculative opportunities, although there should be opportunities to submit sites through the emerging Local Plan.
BA
BR
BRE
CP
EF
S
TE
TH
CH
CO
R
U
M
H
Each of the pillars are guided by further objectives that are designed to help shape future policies within the JSP, and wider investment decisions in
the area.
Further work on the JSP is scheduled with a second Regulation 18 Consultation on options for the scale and pattern of growth in the area expected to take place in 2023.
EMAIL Ralph
07585 902782
Graduate Planner
Ralph Elliott
Stevenage
S
Stevenage
S
Stevenage
S
Stevenage
S
Broxbourne
B
Braintree
BR
Brentwood
BRE
Castle Point
CP
Chelmsford
CH
Colchester
CO
Epping Forest
EF
Harlow
H
Maldon
M
Rochford
R
Southend-on-Sea
S
Tendring
TE
Thurrock
TH
Braintree
BR
Progress of the SWHJSP
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.
Since last year’s update (link below), the joint councils have undertaken consultation on the ‘Realising Our Potential’ document which closed in November 2022. The document has set six ‘pillars’ which will support the joint councils in achieving their vision and are as follows:
Brookfield Garden Village
Each of the pillars are guided by further objectives that are designed to help shape future policies within the JSP, and wider investment decisions in the area.
Further work on the JSP is scheduled with a second Regulation 18 Consultation on options for the scale and pattern of growth in the area expected to take place in 2023.
Home Counties
Housing Update
Hertfordshire and Essex
Home Counties
Housing Update
Surrey and West Sussex