Essex councils prepare 25-year strategy for growth

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 5 Nov, 18:10 · Archive

Three Essex councils are preparing a 25-year Spatial Development Strategy to tackle housing, jobs and infrastructure across the region.

Three Essex councils are joining forces to prepare a 25-year Spatial Development Strategy (SDS) for Greater Essex. Essex County Council, Southend-on-Sea City Council and Thurrock Council aim to tackle housing, jobs, transport and infrastructure across all three council areas in a unified long-term vision.

Jeff Bray, councillor responsible for regeneration, planning and heritage at Essex County Council, said the strategy 'gives us the opportunity to plan for the future of Greater Essex in a joined-up way' and 'will help us tackle challenges that cross council boundaries'.

The SDS will support infrastructure, guide investment, protect the environment and give businesses, investors and developers greater certainty. It will set overall housing and employment needs and identify broad areas for growth, but will not choose specific development sites or change Green Belt boundaries. Those decisions will remain with individual councils through their Local Plans.

Cabinet meetings at all three councils are expected to approve working arrangements, guiding principles and a project plan in November. Formal government funding and national regulations are still pending, but the councils want to begin work to move quickly once the framework is confirmed.

How it is being reported

• Essex councils plan 25-year strategy for homes, jobs and infrastructureThree Essex councils are joining forces to shape a unified long-term vision for growth.Colchester Gazette · 5 Nov, 17:28
• Essex councils plan 25-year strategy for homes, jobs and infrastructureThree Essex councils are joining forces to shape a unified long-term vision for growth.Brentwood Guardian · 5 Nov, 17:28

In this story: Essex County Council · Southend-on-Sea City Council · Thurrock Council · Jeff Bray · Essex

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