Game-changing moment as Conservative-led District Council approves Local Plan, defending against inappropriate and speculative development
Braintree District Council has taken robust action to crack down on overdevelopment in Witham by formally adopting a wide-ranging Local Plan at a meeting of Full Council (25/07/22).
The Local Plan lays out a blueprint for the future, setting out where new development is and isn’t permitted and how many new homes should be built over the coming years across our town.
This means constraints can be placed on development, making it easier to reject speculative applications from developers and harder to build too many houses in inappropriate areas.
It also sets out the right mix of homes that the town needs, including affordable housing, social housing, homes for rent, family homes and accessible housing.
Any new planning applications received by Braintree District Council will have to be considered in accordance with the strict guidance set out in the Local Plan – as will other planning documents.
The plan also requires any new housing to be supported by the right infrastructure – such as schools, roads, public transport, green spaces and public facilities. High design standards will apply to all new homes – ensuring they chime with the unique Essex character.
The document was developed with local residents through a series of consultations and has been signed off by the Planning Inspector.
This is in stark contrast to neighbouring, Independent-run, Uttlesford District Council which recently had planning decisions taken away from them by Government as they were failing to deliver the homes that were needed and had ripped up the draft Local Plan produced by the previous Conservative Administration.
Toby Williams, Conservative candidate for Witham Central, said:
“The adoption of this Local Plan is brilliant news for residents in Witham and across the entire Braintree District.
“The Local Plan will help to put the brakes on overdevelopment and speculative planning applications, ensuring instead that our area gets the right homes in the right places.
“This is a prime example of our hardworking, local Conservative councillors delivering for residents in Witham and beyond.”
Ross Playle, Conservative County Councillor for Witham Northern, commented:
“It is so important that we strike the correct balance between building the right homes for the future while protecting our wonderful green spaces and the unique character of our local area.
“The Local Plan does just this by setting out where new homes can and can’t be built, and setting high design standards.
“This is a game-changing moment in our campaign against overdevelopment, and delivers strong action on a key concern for our local residents.”
