Southend Local Plan Conversation

Within the current stage of the Southend new Local Plan (refining the options, consultation 2021) there are no detailed policies or design codes for development of a particular site(s), the purpose of this stage of the plan is to gather further evidence and opinion on a range of key matters, potential sites and options.

The next stage of the Plan is intended to set out a Preferred Strategy, which will include more detailed development management policies, including site specific policies, as appropriate, to help guide future development. There will be opportunity to engage again with the Plan at this next stage, and there will be a further round of public consultation where you can comment on policies/sites as appropriate. As the Local Plan progresses and we have a better understanding of the preferred approach, including proposed site allocations, there is potential for other supporting evidence to be produced to guide the design of development, such work can include masterplanning, design codes and guidance, which will also include public engagement.

For all sites within the Borough of Southend, planning applications are considered by Southend Borough Council. As part of the planning application process, development proposals are available for public comment during a stage of public consultation – and this would provide interested parties with an opportunity to comment on detailed plans and designs, should they so wish.

Thank you for your question and we are pleased you like the ideas contained within the new local plan. If you provide us further information on a specific area or incident we can pass this to the department who looks after this area.  You can do this by emailing or leaving a message here.

Thank you for your question to the “Refining the Options” Local Plan consultation.

The Council recognises that growth does impact on infrastructure such as transport, especially over the 20-year Local Plan period. We have commissioned a Study to look at the impact of growth on the road network. Further work will be done as we prepare the Local Plan.

Some transport improvements are included in the Local Plan consultation document, such as constructing a new road/public transport corridor from the A127 near the Tesco superstore to the A13 at Shoeburyness via Warners Bridge. The funding for such large-scale projects is only likely if it supports the delivery of substantial new development.

Southend Council continues to work closely with partners such as Essex County Council to examine how the A127 and A13 can be improved on a wider basis to support their role as strategic roads as well as local ones. Funding on the scale required to improve these roads is competitive, although the Council has a strong track record in drawing down funding for highway improvements.

Transport impacts must be looked at in the round. Providing services such as shops, schools and doctors within neighbourhoods close to where people live as well as attractive routes to get there helps make it easier to walk, cycle or use public transport for each journey. Equally, the Council will be working closely with bus operators to improve services within the Borough. Digital technology can be used to manage the network more efficiently. The Council’s Local Transport Plan 4, which work is due to start on shortly, will look at all these opportunities.

Resolving transport issues is complex but is something we are treating very seriously. Further work and more detailed proposals will be put forward as the Local Plan progresses through its next stages”.