Cllr Adi Malviya, Leader of Rochford District Council, has highlighted the urgent need for an up-to-date Local Plan to protect the district from inappropriate development and ensure new homes are supported by necessary infrastructure. He stated that without a plan, the district is more vulnerable to speculative planning applications that lack essential transport systems, schools, and services.
The council is committed to submitting its Local Plan by the government's deadline, originally set for 31 December. Despite a tight timeline, the council had requested a two-month extension to allow councillors adequate time to review the evidence. However, a government holding direction, imposed since 2 October, prevents the final round of public consultation from beginning until it is lifted.
Evidence requested by the government was provided on 7 October, and the council trusts it is under review. To meet the original deadline, a decision was needed by 5 November at the latest, which would have allowed two weeks for consultation preparation and six weeks for public input. Cllr Malviya emphasised that residents' views are crucial and the plan must withstand scrutiny.
The delayed timetable means that even if the holding direction is lifted immediately, the consultation would run over Christmas, which is described as 'far from ideal'. The council will endeavour to make participation easy during this busy period. Furthermore, the consultation would close on the same day the plan must be submitted, leaving no time for councillors to discuss responses before submission, although all comments will be passed to the Independent Planning Inspector.
Given the proximity to the deadline due to the holding direction, Cllr Malviya hopes the government will offer an extension until March, as previously suggested as a possibility. He urged the government to 'do right by Rochford residents' and provide sufficient time for a meaningful consultation. The council remains ready to proceed as soon as the holding direction is lifted and will keep the public updated.
