Council provides detailed reasoning of housing numbers with Planning Inspectorate
The Council has written to the Planning Inspectors providing detailed evidence as to why fewer houses than the Government’s proposed target should be built in Castle Point in the coming years.
The reasoning, which is based on a substantial body of evidence complied by the Council over the last two years, is published today on the Council’s website as part of a suite of documents requested by the Inspectors as they prepared to review the Castle Point Plan. This is a normal part of the examination process.
Cllr Warren Gibson, Deputy Leader of Castle Point Borough Council, said: “Again we are publishing these documents in the interest of maintaining the transparency with which we have approached this whole process.
“We believe our argument is strong. It is evidence based and is sound with thorough consultation having taken place at every stage.
“This plan reflects the needs and aspirations of the residents and businesses in our Borough.
“The housing figure we have proposed is realistic and prevents green belt incursion.
“It is the right plan for Castle Point.”
The Government has said it believes the Borough is able to sustain the building of 11,662 homes up to 2043, which equates to 686 per year.
The Council argues strongly that this figure is far too high and has put forward a figure of 6,196, or 364 homes a year over the same period.
The figure will be tested at an examination in public which will take place over three days from 8 to 10 September, with Friday 11 September being held in reserve in case of overrun.
Once the inspectors have reached their conclusions regarding the number of homes to be built, they will move on to reviewing other aspects of the Plan. Once concluded the inspectors will rule whether they believe the plan to be sound. If it is found to be sound, then it will be adopted by the Council.
Alternatively, the inspectors could order amendments be made, including imposing a higher housing figure.