Mike Andrews, BAG Chairman, has written to Linda Allport-Hodge, Chair of the Basildon Council Infrastructure, Growth & Development Committee seeking assurances about future public involvement in the emerging Local Plan. Mike’s letter and the reply are below:
From Mike Andrews to Linda Allport-Hodge - 7th March 2018
The Publication Version of the Basildon Borough Local Plan 2014-2034, to be discussed in the IG&D meeting on 13 March, shows significant changes to the proposals consulted upon in 2016 especially in the Billericay area. In particular the proposed plan has made major changes to almost all of the proposed new housing sites, has increased the allocation of houses in Billericay by almost 80%, from 1770 to 3052, and proposed a number of traffic related changes.
Can you please confirm that before the Council approves this plan as its basis for submission to the Planning Inspectorate another Regulation 18 Public Consultation will be held to cover, at the least, the complete Billericay area. ? I believe that Brentwood Council has taken a similar decision in respect of its Local Plan.
The Publication Version of the Basildon Borough Local Plan 2014-2034, to be discussed in the IG&D meeting on 13 March, shows significant changes to the proposals consulted upon in 2016 especially in the Billericay area. In particular the proposed plan has made major changes to almost all of the proposed new housing sites, has increased the allocation of houses in Billericay by almost 80%, from 1770 to 3052, and proposed a number of traffic related changes.
Can you please confirm that before the Council approves this plan as its basis for submission to the Planning Inspectorate another Regulation 18 Public Consultation will be held to cover, at the least, the complete Billericay area. ? I believe that Brentwood Council has taken a similar decision in respect of its Local Plan.
Response from Linda Allport-Hodge - 7th March 2018
Dear Mike
Thank you for your note. As you will appreciate the goal posts have changed since our previous discussions.
The government standardised the calculation formula for OAN. When applied to Basildon this is in fact marginally higher than the latest SHMAR figures (May 2017) which stand at 19440-19720. There is no wriggle room on this if our plan is to be found sound. Please note the draft local plan was based on the previous SHMAR which was 15400.
Similarly, whereas the government previously side stepped under a cloud of smoke and mirrors the issue of whether a planning authority needed to meet its OAN in full or not they have now confirmed in government guidance, issued on Monday that we must meet our OAN in full. Brownfield sites are to be used first. We have done that. Density does play a part and we have looked at that too. As it stands now we would be using around 4% of our total green belt across the Borough.
In terms of spatial strategy the distribution is in line with the previous Tory cabinets decision following a regulation 18 consultation on a variety of spatial option proposals. Option 2a was approved (copy attached). We have stuck to this option albeit you are witnessing the impact of a higher OAN.
All of the sites considered by the Committee have been subjected to a regulation 18 consultation.
As part of the emerging local plan a transport study has been undertaken to look at the implication on our road network of potential sites for development.
As you are aware the Committee will be looking at the decisions it made on 7th December collectively to ensure the robustness of a sound plan for consideration by full council on 22nd.
The local plan timetable including the processes to be followed has been approved by full council. The Committee is adhering to the timetable although they may give consideration to making further changes. This would of course delay the process and could result in the plan being taken out of our hands.
As you are aware the Secretary of State has written to Basildon Council expressing concerns about delays in its preparation. The implication of having the plan prepared for us is far reaching.
I hope this addresses your concerns.
Kind Regards
Cllr Linda AllportHodge
Dear Mike
Thank you for your note. As you will appreciate the goal posts have changed since our previous discussions.
The government standardised the calculation formula for OAN. When applied to Basildon this is in fact marginally higher than the latest SHMAR figures (May 2017) which stand at 19440-19720. There is no wriggle room on this if our plan is to be found sound. Please note the draft local plan was based on the previous SHMAR which was 15400.
Similarly, whereas the government previously side stepped under a cloud of smoke and mirrors the issue of whether a planning authority needed to meet its OAN in full or not they have now confirmed in government guidance, issued on Monday that we must meet our OAN in full. Brownfield sites are to be used first. We have done that. Density does play a part and we have looked at that too. As it stands now we would be using around 4% of our total green belt across the Borough.
In terms of spatial strategy the distribution is in line with the previous Tory cabinets decision following a regulation 18 consultation on a variety of spatial option proposals. Option 2a was approved (copy attached). We have stuck to this option albeit you are witnessing the impact of a higher OAN.
All of the sites considered by the Committee have been subjected to a regulation 18 consultation.
As part of the emerging local plan a transport study has been undertaken to look at the implication on our road network of potential sites for development.
As you are aware the Committee will be looking at the decisions it made on 7th December collectively to ensure the robustness of a sound plan for consideration by full council on 22nd.
The local plan timetable including the processes to be followed has been approved by full council. The Committee is adhering to the timetable although they may give consideration to making further changes. This would of course delay the process and could result in the plan being taken out of our hands.
As you are aware the Secretary of State has written to Basildon Council expressing concerns about delays in its preparation. The implication of having the plan prepared for us is far reaching.
I hope this addresses your concerns.
Kind Regards
Cllr Linda AllportHodge
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