What Next?
12 May 2026
As you are no doubt aware the borough ward elections took place on 7 May leaving Basildon Borough with a hung council, in that no single party, or previous coalition, can form a majority administration to effectively govern.
It is therefore inevitable that new alliances will be formed and we await the outcome by, or at, the next council meeting on 21 May. There will be a new cabinet and committees, including planning.
Until we see the lie of the land we have no idea what the impact will be on the emerging Local Plan, or when decisions are taken on planning matters. But whoever runs the council can’t simply make decisions, or try to overturn previous decisions, based on a political whim. If they have a will to do things differently then it needs to be based on sound legal reasoning relative to planning legislation and policy.
We can but hope for some change to reduce the impact on the Green Belt we have been seeing already, and what the Local Plan additionally proposes for the future. Unless the new administration pushes back on the Government mandated targets, and stands firm, we will continue to see our precious fields lost to housing.
That target drives everything, from the scale of development in the Local Plan to how planning applications are justified for approval. Simply put, if the numbers aren’t being met, approval is more likely. A lower target is the only solution.
We will report further once the new council administrative landscape is confirmed.
As you are no doubt aware the borough ward elections took place on 7 May leaving Basildon Borough with a hung council, in that no single party, or previous coalition, can form a majority administration to effectively govern.
It is therefore inevitable that new alliances will be formed and we await the outcome by, or at, the next council meeting on 21 May. There will be a new cabinet and committees, including planning.
Until we see the lie of the land we have no idea what the impact will be on the emerging Local Plan, or when decisions are taken on planning matters. But whoever runs the council can’t simply make decisions, or try to overturn previous decisions, based on a political whim. If they have a will to do things differently then it needs to be based on sound legal reasoning relative to planning legislation and policy.
We can but hope for some change to reduce the impact on the Green Belt we have been seeing already, and what the Local Plan additionally proposes for the future. Unless the new administration pushes back on the Government mandated targets, and stands firm, we will continue to see our precious fields lost to housing.
That target drives everything, from the scale of development in the Local Plan to how planning applications are justified for approval. Simply put, if the numbers aren’t being met, approval is more likely. A lower target is the only solution.
We will report further once the new council administrative landscape is confirmed.
Planning Applications
The latest planning applications for Green Belt sites can be found HERE.
For help on how to respond to a planning application please see HERE.
For help on how to respond to a planning application please see HERE.
Latest Maps
Our maps showing approved and proposed development around Billericay can be seen HERE.
Resources
Information on the Local PlanThe latest summary position on the long history of the Basildon Local Plan can be found here;
Current Situation Historical items from the 2022 withdrawn Local Plan can be found here; 2014 to 2034 Withdrawn Plan Archive |
Join our Facebook GroupOur most up to date activity can be found on our closed Facebook Group - Save Billericay From Housing Developments. Ask to join here;
www.facebook.com/groups/BillericayActionGroup/ |
The aims of BAG
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To protect the Green Belt around Billericay and elsewhere in Basildon Borough from loss through excessive and unjustified development.
To prevent the character of our historic towns from being changed forever. To ensure that any development that does take place is sustainable, with adequate infrastructure and prioritises local needs. We support the need for a new Basildon Local Plan and the need for more housing. But it must be of the right number, the right type and in the right places to best help local people obtain a home of their own. We aim to provide information, help and guidance so that local residents can take action on the Local Pan through consultations, and to submit comments on planning applications. At the end of the day it is down to local people to take part and express their views and concerns. Please support us. Please support your local community. |
Billericay District Residents' AssociationBAG has been part of the Billericay Residents' Association (BDRA) since 2018.
In 2026 the BDRA will have independently (free from politics) represented the residents of Billericay for 100 years, To find out more about joining the BDRA please visit bdra.org/ |
