To enable the Cabinet to consider the recommendation made to it by the Planning Policy and Local Plan Committee in relation to the adoption of the Draft Hartley Gardens Supplementary Planning Document.

RESOLVED that the Hartley Gardens Supplementary Planning Document December 2025 (Appendix 1) be adopted as Planning Guidance to be used by the Council in the determination of relevant Planning Applications.

Cabinet was informed that the Planning Policy and Local Plan Committee (“the Committee”), at its meeting held on 8 December 2025 (Minute 20 referred), had considered a detailed report of the Corporate Director (Planning and Community) (A.2) which had updated the Committee on the results of the public consultation on the contents of the Hartley Gardens Supplementary Planning Document (SPD) and which had also sought the Committee’s endorsement to recommend to Cabinet that the draft SPD be now formally adopted.

The Committee’s decision at its meeting held on 8 December 2025 had been as follows:-

(a)     RESOLVED that the Planning Policy and Local Plan Committee notes the outcome of the public consultation on the draft Hartley Gardens SPD, as set out through this report (A.2) and detailed in Appendix 2 thereto; and

(b)     RECOMMENDED TO CABINET that the Hartley Gardens Supplementary Planning Document December 2025 (attached at Appendix 1 to report A.2) be adopted as Planning Guidance to be used by the Council in the determination of Planning Applications, subject to:-

the SPD being modified at paragraph 6.24 to explicitly list ‘Fire & Rescue Facilities’ as strategic infrastructure, in advance of its formal adoption by Cabinet. This modification will ensure the SPD remains consistent with adopted policy while addressing essential infrastructure needs identified by Essex County Fire & Rescue Service.

The SPD, as recommended by the Planning Policy and Local Plan Committee, was set out in Appendix 1 to the reference report (A.2).

The Corporate Director (Planning and Community)’s report which had been considered by the Planning Policy and Local Plan Committee at its meeting held on 8 December 2025 was attached as Appendix 2 to the reference report (A.2).

The Housing and Planning Portfolio Holder read out the following statement:-

“Leader, I have great pleasure in introducing this report outlining the recommendation from the Planning Policy & Local Plan Committee that the Hartley Gardens Supplementary Planning Document (SPD) be adopted by Cabinet, in order that it becomes Planning Guidance that this Council will use in determining relevant planning applications.

Cabinet will be aware, that within the Local Plan Part 2, there is a specific planning policy (SAMU2) in regard to the largest area for development, Hartley Gardens,  bar the Garden Community, for up to 1,700 homes, together with the relevant infrastructure, that requires a document which provides a clear framework for how development should come forward and setting out this council’s expectations around the quality of design, movement and access, green infrastructure, and delivery of supporting infrastructure.

Cabinet will recall that I presented a draft SPD at our meeting in September, for agreement that it go out for consultation with residents and stakeholders.

That consultation took place between 6^th October and 17^th November, including online engagement, hard copies available at local libraries, and two public drop-in events, attended by nearly 100 residents. In total, 24 written responses were received from members of the public, land promoters, developers, and statutory stakeholders.

A variety of issues were raised, including traffic and highways impacts, healthcare provision, environmental protection, drainage and flood risk and management, ecological considerations, and a host of others.

After careful consideration the SPD has been strengthened in several areas, and these are shown on Page 96 of the Agenda, Appendix 2, which is the officer’s report to the recent Planning Policy & Local Plan Committee.

At Appendix 3 to that same report (commencing at Page 109) is a schedule of representations and the responses to the.

On Monday 8^th December the Planning Policy and Local Plan Committee received a comprehensive report, updating it on the public consultation on the SPD, and seeking that Committee’s endorsement of the recommendations, with a slight updated amendment.”

Prior to the commencement of the meeting, the following email from the Chairman of the Planning Policy & Local Plan Committee (Councillor Guglielmi) had been received by the Democratic Services Manager and circulated to members of the Cabinet and the Group Leaders and Deputy Group Leaders:-

“I would have loved to have attended Cabinet, but it clashes with my D&R Committee at County, but if possible I would very much like to put on record my praise for the way in which Officers have interacted with Homes England and secured such a huge support from them, and also for the extremely comprehensive way in which they have engaged with all Ward and neighbouring members as well as the public to get everyone (well, almost everyone!) on board with the whole thing, especially when considering the huge discontent we experienced a few years back, albeit for a much bigger proposal.”

Cabinet had before it the following formal written response of the Housing & Planning Portfolio Holder to the recommendation made by the Planning Policy & Local Plan Committee:-

"I would like to thank the Planning Policy and Local Plan Committee for its thorough work in reviewing the Hartley Gardens Supplementary Planning Document (SPD) following public consultation, and for recommending its adoption by Cabinet. Hartley Gardens remains a key site within our adopted Local Plan, and its development will play an important role in meeting the District’s housing needs while also delivering essential infrastructure.

The SPD now provides a clear and robust framework to guide how this development should come forward. It sets out the Council’s expectations on design quality, movement and access, green infrastructure, and the timely delivery of supporting facilities. Importantly, the document reflects feedback from residents, Ward Members, and stakeholders during consultation, and has been strengthened in areas such as healthcare provision, environmental protection, and strategic infrastructure.

Adopting this SPD ensures that future planning applications for Hartley Gardens will be assessed against a well-defined set of principles, helping to secure a sustainable, well-planned community. I am confident that this guidance will support high-quality development and address local priorities as the site progresses."

Having duly considered the recommendation made by the Planning Policy & Local Plan Committee, together with the formal response of the Housing & Planning Portfolio Holder thereto:-

It was moved by Councillor Baker, seconded by Councillor Stephenson and:-

RESOLVED that the Hartley Gardens Supplementary Planning Document December 2025 (Appendix 1) be adopted as Planning Guidance to be used by the Council in the determination of relevant Planning Applications.