First stage of Castle Point Plan examination concludes

The strongest possible defence of the Castle Point Plan has been made during the initial two-day Hearing.

The Hearing, which concluded on 9 September, focused on the overall housing allocation for the Borough and how many homes should be built in the area between now and 2043. 

The Government has said that it believes that 11,662 homes are required during this period but in its Plan the Council has argued for a much lower figure of 6,196. 

A key focus of the Hearing was the methodology used by the Council that justified the Plan and led to the Plan not allocating any Green Belt land for development in order to meet the Government’s target.

Cllr Warren Gibson, Deputy Leader of Castle Point Borough Council, said: “We made our case to the Inspectors in the strongest possible terms and I would like to thank all those who spoke in favour of it and in favour of protecting our valuable Green Belt. 

“We maintain this is the right Plan for Castle Point and the right Plan for our residents. 

“Our figure for the number of houses to be built reflects local need and a Plan that is realistic given the capacity constraints of the Borough. Our residents’ clearly stated desire is to protect our landscapes and green spaces now and for future generations. 

“Thanks to the approach we have taken to developing this Plan, we were able to present an evidence-based case to Inspectors which is backed up by comprehensive resident engagement data.”

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,  and is capable of being delivered and is consistent with national planning policy.

The Inspectors will now spend time considering the evidence presented at the initial Hearing. They are due to write to us when they have reached their conclusions and will advise on next steps.