Update on the Castle Point Plan examination

The letter sets out the next steps in the examination process and an intention to hold an initial hearing session week commencing 7 September 2026.

The Inspectors have indicated that housing requirement and supply will initially be considered at the hearing. The Council has already set out its justification for the level of housing proposed in the Plan and will respond formally through the examination process to set out why it believes the proposed numbers are right for the Borough’s needs. 

This is a normal and expected stage in the examination of a Local Plan and does not represent a final conclusion.

It is anticipated that the Inspectors will issue specific questions by early June and will invite hearing statements in response from the Council and those who have made relevant Regulation 19 representations.

Cllr Warren Gibson, Deputy Leader of Castle Point Borough Council said: “Using the Standard Method Calculation would require another 11,662 new homes in Castle Point. The Castle Point Plan proposes a lower, though still significant 6,196 homes delivered by 2043. While the Plan does not meet the Standard Method Calculation, this does not automatically mean that it is unsound and we will justify and defend these numbers under examination.”  

Further updates will be provided as the examination continues .

Note on publication timing 

The letter is dated 26 March 2026. In line with standard practice, correspondence from the Planning Inspectorate is first shared with the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government ahead of being issued to the Council.

At the point the letter would normally have been received, the Council had entered the pre-election period. The Inspectorate was advised and the letter has therefore only been issued to the Council following the end of the elections.

The Council is publishing it at the earliest opportunity.