A planning inspector has confirmed the amount of new houses which need to be built across north Essex over the next 15 years.
Colchester Borough and Braintree and Tendring District councils submitted a joint section one to their Local Plans, a blueprint for growth in the area until 2033.
Following a public examination of the Local Plan, a planning inspector has now reported back on the expected housing need for the period. He reported back on other aspects within the Local Plan last month.
The inspector backed the councils’ submitted figures for housing growth up until 2033 – of 550 new homes each year in Tendring, 716 in Braintree, and 920 in Colchester.
His response on housing figures had been delayed from the rest of the Plan after consideration of a late submission from a developer over Tendring’s projected numbers.
However, the inspector ruled the councils had accurately predicted housing need based on national guidelines.
Tim Young, Deputy Leader of Colchester Borough Council, said the borough was at the forefront of delivering sustainable growth.
“Colchester continues to be a place where people want to live, work, learn and visit, and that is reflected in our housing figure.
“Having a strong Local Plan in place, which has been prepared in consultation with our residents, is vital to ensure Colchester’s housing requirements deliver sustainable developments in the right places and with the right infrastructure. It is not just about housing numbers, but creating great places where vibrant local communities can thrive and prosper.”
Neil Stock, Leader of Tendring District Council, welcomed the inspector’s response.
“Getting an accurate figure for predicted housing growth is a critical part of the Local Plan, as it sets out how many new homes we need and how quickly we need them. This will provide greater certainty for housebuilders and councils which can only be a good thing,” he said.
“I am glad the inspector has recognised the amount of work which has gone into this calculation, and that this can provide reassurance to the public that we have not simply plucked a figure out of the air.”
Graham Butland, Leader of Braintree District Council, said “I am pleased that the Planning Inspectorate agrees with the housing need figures which underpin our Local Plan. We know building new homes is a key priority for the Government. Having a Local Plan allows us to shape where these new homes go, and make sure they are built in sustainable places, rather than where best suits developers.”
ENDS
Page last reviewed: 29 June 2018