Essex Local Plans Update 2025: A Snapshot of Progress and Pressure
With the government’s planning reforms on the horizon and housing delivery under scrutiny, Essex’s local planning authorities are navigating complex terrain. From Basildon to Thurrock, councils are at different stages of updating their Local Plans, reflecting a mix of challenges in land supply, housing need, and delivery performance.
Let’s break down what’s happening across Essex:
Key Highlights by Authority:
Basildon
- Adopted Plan: 2007
- Emerging Plan: Issues & Options closed Sept 2023.
- 5-Year Land Supply: 2.3-4.85 years → Below target
- Housing Delivery Test (HDT): 35% – Presumption in favour applies
- Next Steps: First draft consultation closed in Jan 2025.
Braintree
- Latest Plan: 2022 (Section 2)
- HDT: 155% – Strong delivery!
- New Local Housing Need (LHN): Increased to 1,115
- Update: Preferred Options expected Oct 2025, Reg 19 in Spring 2026.
Brentwood
- Adopted Plan: 2022
- HDT: 129%
- Progress: Reg 18 still pending despite being scheduled for 2023.
Castle Point
- Adopted Plan: 1998 (very outdated)
- HDT: 54% – Presumption applies
- New Plan: Reg 18 completed; publication set for Jan 2025.
Chelmsford
- Adopted Plan: 2020
- HDT: 116% – Above target
- Plan Review: Pre-submission consultation Feb–Mar 2025.
Colchester
- Plans: 2021–2022 Shared Strategic Plan
- HDT: 110%
- Update: Preferred Options consultation due Feb 2025.
Epping Forest
- Adopted Plan: March 2023
- HDT: 66% – Struggles remain
- Status: No new plans in the pipeline.
Harlow
- Adopted Plan: Dec 2020
- HDT: 156% – Strong performer
- Update: Reg 18 set for Mar 2025, Reg 19 in Oct 2025.
Maldon
- Adopted Plan: 2017
- HDT: 142%
- Review: Reg 18 in Autumn 2024, Reg 19 summer 2025.
Rochford
- Adopted Plan: 2011 Core Strategy
- HDT: 135%
- Plan Update: Preferred Options summer 2025; Reg 19 Winter/Spring 2026.
Tendring
- Plan: Shared Strategic Section adopted 2021–2022
- HDT: 160% – Excellent
- Next Steps: Preferred Options late 2025; draft publication Winter 25/26.
Uttlesford
- Adopted Plan: 2005 – Very outdated
- HDT: 46% – Presumption applies
- Update: Submitted for examination Dec 2024.
Southend-on-Sea
- Adopted Plan: 2007
- HDT: 37% – Presumption applies
- New Plan: Preferred approach not progressing; no longer in Forward Plan.
Thurrock
- Adopted Plan: 2011 (updated 2015)
- HDT: 35% – Presumption applies
- Update: Reg 19 consultation scheduled Jan–Mar 2026.
Trends & Insights:
- Strong Performers: Harlow, Tendring, and Braintree lead with HDT scores over 150% and strong annual delivery rates.
- Struggling Areas: Southend, Castle Point, Basildon, and Thurrock fall below the 75% HDT threshold, invoking the “presumption in favour” policy.
- Outdated Plans: Castle Point, Southend, Uttlesford, and Basildon are still operating under plans from the early 2000s or earlier — an urgent red flag.
- Emerging Plans in Motion: Most councils are working through new plans, but many are in the early stages (Reg 18), with key consultations due in late 2025.
What’s Next?
Essex is at a pivotal point. With national reforms reshaping the planning system, local authorities must move quickly to ensure their Local Plans are up-to-date, their housing targets are achievable, and their development pipelines are robust. While some districts are setting the pace, others must catch up or risk losing control of local planning decisions.
Stay tuned as consultations and plan submissions roll through 2025 and 2026 – a decisive couple of years for Essex’s housing future.
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