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 three 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
• Preferred Approach with Options document in 2025 - using feedback from previous consultations, evidence gathered from a range of sources, it asked 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.

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

Stage 4 - Proposed Submission Document - Publication (regulation 19)

Southend-on-Sea City Council has been formally instructed by Central Government to publish its current draft Local Plan for public consultation. Following this direction, the Council will publish the existing draft Local Plan and undertake a consultation from early November, giving residents, businesses and community groups the opportunity to review the document and provide their feedback. The Council is carefully considering the implications of the Government's instruction and is taking legal advice. It is important to note that the draft Local Plan has not been formally adopted by the Council and does not represent the final version. More information, including consultation materials and details on how to respond, will be available when the consultation opens.

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

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