Castle Point Plan examination hearings to begin
The next stage in the preparation of the Castle Point Plan will begin at 10am 8 September 2026, when the Plan begins examination by independent Planning Inspectors appointed by the Planning Inspectorate.
The hearings are scheduled to take place between Tuesday 8 September and Thursday 10 September, with an additional day reserved if required.
The initial hearing sessions will focus on the housing requirement and whether the Plan's proposed level of housing provision is justified and consistent with national planning policy. The Inspectors may then go on to consider other aspects of the Plan.
The Examination in Public is a standard part of the local plan-making process. Its purpose is to allow independent Inspectors to consider the evidence supporting the Plan and determine whether it meets the legal and policy requirements set by Government.
During the hearings, the Inspectors will hear evidence from the Council and a range of participants who submitted representations during the consultation process. The inclusion of a range of individuals and organisations is to provide a robust challenge to the Council’s position.
The role of the Inspectors is to independently assess whether the Castle Point Plan is "sound". This means considering whether the Plan has been positively prepared, is justified by the available evidence, is capable of being delivered and is consistent with national planning policy.
The Castle Point Plan has been prepared to provide a framework for future development in the Borough up to 2043. It seeks to balance the need for new homes, jobs and infrastructure with the protection of the Borough's environment and the features that residents value most.
Cllr Warren Gibson, Deputy Leader of Castle Point Borough Council said: “The Castle Point Plan has been developed in close consultation with residents. It reflects their views and is supported by evidence that justifies the overall strategy towards growth that the Borough needs and can accommodate.
“The Castle Point Plan is backed by a comprehensive evidence base and we have acted with transparency throughout the process.
“We now welcome the opportunity for the Plan to be independently scrutinised through the examination process."
Residents can follow the examination process in person at the Council’s Kiln Road offices, or live on the Council’s YouTube Channel.
More information on the programme for the hearing.