Southend Local Plan Conversation

The Local Plan is one of the most important tools we have to shape how Southend grows and evolves. It sets out a clear vision and framework for future development. By taking part in this consultation you can influence how we meet our local needs, protect our natural spaces, mitigate and adapt to climate change, ensure high-quality design for all and insure development is infrastructure led.

Local Plans are the key documents for local planning authorities to set out a vision and framework for the future development of the area, engaging with their communities in doing so. Local Plans address needs and opportunities in relation to housing, the local economy, community facilities and infrastructure. They should safeguard the natural environment, enable adaptation to climate change and help secure high quality accessible design. The Local Plan provides a degree of certainty for communities, businesses and investors on future development proposals, and a framework for guiding decisions on individual planning applications.

There have been two earlier stages of consultation the Local Plan’s preparation:

• Issues and Options document in 2019 – asked for views about the opportunities and challenges facing Southend to address in the new plan
• Refining the Options document in 2021 – set out more detailed consideration of these issues and potential policy options and potential site allocations

Previous Consultation responses can be viewed here Southend-on-Sea New Local Plan.

Stage 3 – Preferred Approach with Options

Using feedback from previous consultations, evidence gathered from a range of sources, and updates in national planning policy, the Preferred Approach with Options takes preparation of the local plan a stage further. It is asking for views on:

• Draft planning policies across a wide range of issues including infrastructure provision, housing, transport, employment and retail, health and wellbeing, heritage, design and placemaking, managing the natural environment, seafront, and flood risk;
• Draft planning policies for each neighbourhood within Southend;
• Potential site allocations for homes, jobs, and other uses which require available land;
• Different options for some issues where we need further input to evidence our policies including energy efficiency standards for new buildings, increasing green space in the urban area, developer contributions towards employment and skills for local jobs, and affordable housing requirements;
• The strategic option of whether to allocate land for a new neighbourhood on land north of Southend

To comment on the consultation please visit Southend-on-Sea New Local Plan once you have registered/logged in you can comment on all elements of the plan.

Please email planningpolicy@southend.gov.uk

• if you have any questions about this consultation
• if you would like to receive an alternative version e.g. paper, or to feedback in another way.
• if you would like to submit a site to be considered as part of the Local Plan process please see Call for Sites

Next Steps

Comments and views made at this stage will help shape a draft plan which will be subject to further public consultation next year, before it is submitted to the Planning Inspectorate for independent examination.

Your voice matters. This is your opportunity to help guide decisions that affect your neighbourhood, your community, and Southend’s future.

This stage of consultation closes at 5pm on 30th September 2025

*Please note all comments are required to be published online alongside your name. We are not able to accept anonymous comments.