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Castle Point Borough Council has embarked on a critical journey to develop a new Local Plan, aiming to address long-standing housing and development issues while ensuring sustainable growth. This plan, set to guide development until 2050, marks a significant milestone following a tumultuous history of failed attempts and government interventions.

A Brief History of Challenges

Castle Point’s struggle with its Local Plan is well-documented. The borough has faced consistent criticism and pressure from the government for its “consistent under-performance” in housing development. Notably, in 2022, the council had to withdraw an iteration of the plan that proposed 5,325 homes due to its unpopularity and non-adoptability​ (Yellow Advertiser)​. This failure left the borough vulnerable to speculative developments, with the government threatening to take over the plan-making process if progress wasn’t made swiftly.

The New Plan: Goals and Timetable

The new Local Plan aims to rectify past issues by involving extensive community and stakeholder engagement. The Council approved the Issues and Options Consultation Document in July 2024, marking the beginning of a formal public consultation period. This plan will dictate where new homes, businesses, and infrastructure should be developed, ensuring that community needs and environmental considerations are balanced​ (CastlePoint)​​ (CastlePoint)​.

The timetable is ambitious but clear:

  • Issues Identification: January 2023 – August 2023
  • Options Development: September 2023 – June 2024
  • Developing the Plan: June 2024 – December 2024
  • Publication: January 2025 – March 2025
  • Submission: April 2025
  • Examination: June 2025 – December 2025
  • Adoption: March 2026​ (CastlePoint)​.
Overview of Castle Point's New Local Plan and its impact on local development

Local Opinion and Community Involvement

Local opinion on the new Local Plan is mixed but generally supportive of moving forward. Many residents appreciate the opportunity for public consultation, which they feel has been lacking in previous attempts. However, there is also concern about potential overdevelopment and the impact on green spaces.

Councillor Dave Blackwell has acknowledged the precarious position the borough finds itself in without an adopted plan, stressing the need for a plan that is both realistic and acceptable to residents​ (Yellow Advertiser)​. Ian Butt, director of Place and Communities, highlighted the ongoing risk of government intervention but assured that the council is working closely with government officials to reduce this risk and maintain momentum in plan development​ (Yellow Advertiser)​.

Moving Forward

The new Local Plan for Castle Point is a pivotal step towards sustainable development and community engagement. By addressing previous shortcomings and involving residents more deeply in the planning process, the Council aims to create a framework that balances growth with the preservation of the borough’s character and environment.

This renewed effort is crucial not just for meeting housing needs but also for ensuring that Castle Point can thrive economically and socially in the years to come. As the plan progresses, continued community involvement and transparent communication will be key to its success.

For more detailed information and to participate in the consultation, residents can visit the Castle Point Borough Council’s website.

Alan Green

A fully qualified Architect, Alan studied at Greenwich University where he was a nominee for the RIBA Presidents Medal and later graduating from the Architects Association, Alan has now over 20 years experience working within the construction and architectural industry.

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