ALMOST 100,000 new homes are set to be built across Essex in the next few decades, it has been revealed. All local councils are required to produce a local plan, which includes sites for housing, school, businesses and other services reports the Local Democracy Reporter.
The Labour Government sets housing targets, which have increased for most areas. The local plans are sparking controversy across the county with campaigners “preparing to fight” the proposed development.
Some council leaders, such as Danielle Belton, Conservative leader of Rochford District Council insists the district “cannot and will not build” almost 15,000 new homes. A total of 98,447 homes are planned across the various towns, cities and villages across the whole county. Some of the plans are not finalised, agreed or definite but based on the large housing targets and legal obligations for the local authorities.
Braintree and it the surrounding areas, could see around 1,264 homes by 2041. Tendring District Council’s annual housing requirement almost doubled from 550 to 1,063 homes per year from January 2026. As a result, the council must plan for a further 7,000–8,000 homes by 2042, in addition to the 10,700 already in the pipeline.
Over in Castle Point, a total of 6,196 new homes could be built across the district by 2043, including 3,316 homes for Canvey Island. The major plans have sparked anger but t he former mayor of Castle Point previously insisted that Canvey was not a “sacrificial lamb.” Canvey Island has long suffered with flooding and traffic issues and long queues. A third road has been demanded for many years.
In December housing Secretary Steve Reed insisted there needs to be a “sharp surge” in housebuilding in order to meet Labour’s promise to build 1.5 million new homes. The top MP warned construction firms the Government will miss its targets for house building. It comes after the number of new homes started fell from 207,000 to 139,000 after Labour took office – the lowest since the Covid-19 pandemic.
Basildon, which is undergoing huge regeneration, could see almost 27,000 extra homes. Billericay and the surrounding areas could see around 7,725 homes built. The plans include a minimum of 10,420 affordable homes, a minimum of 302 new gypsy and traveller pitches, 14 travelling show people yards and 69 hectares of new employment land. It comes as 550 homes, an Aldi and a 3,500 seat arena are planned for the town centre. Works are now well underway on 492 homes on the former Wetherspoons site in Basildon Town Centre.
Plans are underway for almost 20,000 homes and around Colchester, with the city council eyeing up a former rugby club site, and land near a train station. Colchester City Council is also working on transforming part of the Britannia Car Park in Colchester is set to be transformed into a public square, with new lighting, seating and planting areas.
North Essex towns, under Uttlesford District Council, look set for about 14,741 homes from 2021 to 2041, as the Government has supported the council’s plans for the proposals. Previously the council lost powers over planning as it was slammed by the Government for refusing to many proposals.
Rochford is set to fight plans for 15,296 homes 2040, including large-scale developments with some over 1,000 homes. Residents have been urged to fight against a council’s local housing plan that would allocate space for 15,000 new homes to be built across several Essex towns. Danielle Belton, Conservative leader of Rochford District Council, insists residents must take part in a consultation on the plans, which will help make a stronger case against the proposals.
Chelmsford, one of Essex’s newer cities is drawing up its plans for around 21,056, including poss additional sites. The documents state, in order to meet the full objectively-assessed housing need in the period 2013-2036, provision is made for a minimum of 18,515 new homes at an average annual rate of 805 new homes per year.
Brentwood could see 7,752 new homes built by 2033 at an annual average rate of 300 dwellings per year to 2023/24, followed by 400 dwellings per year to 2029/30 and then 984 dwellings per year to 2032/33. The plans also include 13 permanent pitches to accommodate Gypsy and Traveller accommodation needs.
Maldon District Council is proposing around 3,066 homes by March 2030, as part of a five year housing land requirement. Villages in the district, including Latchingdon and Southminster have seen controversial proposals and fears about sewage and waste water.
Epping Forest looks set to see approximately 11,400 homes built by 2033 and Harlow could see 9,200 homes build by the same year, this includes additional targets.
