A major policy document formalising where more than 21,000 homes should be built in the next 18 years has been given the green light.
The final Inspector’s Report on the examination of the Chelmsford Local Plan received by Chelmsford City Council on Tuesday, 25 February, concludes that the plan is legally compliant and sound, subject to a number of changes which were the subject of public consultation last autumn.
This means the city council can now formally adopt the plan.
The local plan provides a long-term strategy that will ensure local needs for new homes, employment, shops, open space and supporting infrastructure, are met in a sustainable and appropriate manner. It has also been drawn up following significant consultation with local communities and other stakeholders.
The council has planned for a total of 21,893 new homes to be built between 2013 to 2036, in order to meet its housing commitments.
Housing completions between 2013 and 2017 have totalled 3,090, around 8,100 homes have been given planning permission and are set to be built and another 220 commitments are set to be given planning permission.
The majority of the remainder of the 10,400 homes have been allocated to three major growth areas.
The “Chelmsford urban area” has been earmarked for 3,400 new homes.
Development north of Chelmsford will be centred most notably in north east Chelmsford and Great Leighs as new garden communities comprising of 4,500 homes.
The council says that development here will help to bring forward the Chelmsford North-East Bypass and provide a secondary access into Broomfield Hospital.
This growth area around South Woodham Ferrers will accommodate around 1,130 homes.
Leader of Chelmsford City Council, Councillor Stephen Robinson, said: “We are delighted to receive the Inspector’s Report which concludes that the Local Plan will provide an appropriate basis for the planning of the council’s area.
“It now allows us to make arrangements to formally adopt the plan as council policy. We will use this plan to deliver more infrastructure to go with development, genuinely affordable housing and to ensure that it is really sustainable.”
By Piers Meyler
Source: Essex Live