To provide the Planning Policy and Local Plan Committee with an update on the progress of three key pieces of evidence that will inform the review of the Local Plan, and to set out the next steps in undertaking the Local Plan Review process.

The Committee considered a comprehensive report of the Corporate Director (Planning and Community) which provided the Committee with an update on the progress of three key pieces of evidence that would inform the review of the Local Plan, and which also set out the next steps in undertaking the Local Plan Review process.

It was reported that the Strategic Housing Market Assessment (SHMA), conducted by HDH Planning & Development, provided a comprehensive analysis of housing needs in the Tendring District. The assessment used the Standard Method housing target of 1,034 homes per year, projecting a need for 17,578 new homes over a 17-year period. Key findings had included a significant increase in the older population, a higher proportion of owner-occupied housing, and a growing private rented sector. The SHMA had identified the need for various types and tenures of housing, including affordable homes, sheltered housing, extra care units, and accessible homes. Those findings would inform the approach taken to different types and tenures of housing in the Local Plan and well as assisting the determination of Planning applications. This piece of evidence had now been finalised and would be used as a material consideration when determining planning applications, in accordance with policy LP2 in the adopted Local Plan.

The Committee was informed that the Employment Land Review, being undertaken by Ekosgen, would update the existing evidence from 2019, advising on the need for additional employment land. The study considered four scenarios: an employment led scenario, a higher growth scenario, a past take-up scenario, and the labour supply approach. The different approaches to demand assessment had suggested an overall employment land requirement ranging from 5.36 ha to 30.69 ha. Although this quantitative demand could be met through existing employment allocations, the review highlighted the need for additional land allocations to accommodate qualitative requirements for certain sizes and types of development in different sectors, particularly in strategic locations around major roads.

Members were made aware that Jacobs/Essex Highways had conducted a qualitative assessment of transport infrastructure and services required to accommodate growth in the District, with a particular focus on the proposed garden villages. The study had prioritised sustainable modes of transport, with the aim of reducing reliance on cars and improving accessibility. It had evaluated the transport sustainability of ten key areas for growth, identifying opportunities and challenges for each location. The next stage of work would involve detailed transport modelling to assess the impact of developments on specific sites on the highways network and support sustainable travel approaches.

The Committee was advised that, following the Issues and Options Consultation, Officers would prepare the Preferred Options draft of the Local Plan, which would include updated policies and draft allocations for various types of development. Further technical work and testing would be undertaken, including a Sustainability Appraisal, detailed transport modelling, viability testing, a Water Cycle Study, and a Strategic Flood Risk Assessment. Engagement with technical stakeholders and neighbouring authorities would continue, to ensure that the Plan was based on robust evidence and that the Council continued to meet its ‘duty to cooperate’.

Having introduced the report, the Planning Policy Team Leader and, when appropriate, the Corporate Director (Planning and Community) then responded to the following questions from Members:-

1)       will the transport modelling take into account the consultation by Bus companies and the potential for changes and reductions in service provision and connectivity;

2)       will the transport modelling examine the level of traffic congestion on the B1027 and at Thorrington Cross, the Frating roundabout and at Great Bentley Railway Station (due to the lack of parking for rail users);

3)       will there be provision for small scale housing developments that will enable the elderly to downsize whilst remaining within their community;

4)       how will this Council choose the advanced transport options going forward bearing in mind the potential for ‘knock-on’ effects (both positive and negative in nature) of pursuing those chosen options and development sites;

5)       will there be scope for remodelling should those transport options and outcomes be challenged or new information comes forward;

6)       what is the key date for the adoption of the new Local Plan? Is this Council on course to meet that date? What will be the penalties for this Council if it misses that date?;

7)       will there be any flexibility to change course during the Local Plan period in reaction to changing circumstances at local, regional or national level;

8)       where will the necessary resources (e.g. forward funding) come from to enable this Council to meet these high housing growth targets; and

9)       will the transport modelling take heed of the significant impact of construction traffic on the highway network.

Having duly taken all of the above information into account and having discussed the matter:-

It was moved by Councillor Scott, seconded by Councillor M A Cossens and unanimously:-

RESOLVED that the contents of the report (A.2) and the progress made on updating the Local Plan evidence base to date be noted.