Yahoo News Plan for 27,000 new homes in Basildon is 'too many' and 'bonkers' councillor says
Plans for more than 27,000 homes across an Essex borough over two decades, dubbed “bonkers” by an opposition leader, will go out to the public for consultation. Basildon Council agreed to send its local plan proposals out to get the views of residents, businesses and others in the borough during a meeting on November 11. During the meeting, the Tories blasted the proposals, with the opposition leader insisting the plans are “flawed” and that the housing number is “far too high.”
The local plan includes up to 4,313 homes in Basildon, up to 4,170 in Billericay, up to 4,220 homes in Wickford and up to 16,928 new homes on green belt sites. If agreed, it would see up to 27,111 homes between 2023 to 2043, a minimum of 10,420 affordable homes, a minimum of 235 new Gypsy and Traveller pitches and a minimum of 13 Travelling Show People yard and a minimum of 65 to 82 hectares of new employment land.
Andrew Baggott, leader of the Conservatives, told the meeting: “There is this concept that if you build more houses, house prices will come down, and that’s a supply and demand issue, and I understand the argument, but it does not take into account reality. The reality is developers are out there to make money, it’s not in their interest to develop houses and sell them cheap. The idea of adding 27,000 homes into this borough, which probably aren't going to be built anyway, acts as a blight on the borough in regards to the expectation. What we have is a developers' charter rather than a local plan. It’s been said 27,000 homes there’s absolutely no evidence for the organic growth of this borough, that level of housing is required.
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“This is all the result of the algorithm. This is a one-size-fits-all algorithm across the country, which we did actually take our own government on, but this administration has decided that it's not in our interests to fight for residents. We will actually do what the government requires of us and just build, build, build. There's no talk of infrastructure and how it's going to be done, and the very concept that you do infrastructure as needed is bonkers!
"Because, if you are in need of a doctor, being told you’ve got to wait for surgery to get planning permission, to build it, to recruit the doctors and then eventually you will be seen is not the way to go forward. We have developers' charter, it’s not good for residents, it’s actually the opposite of good for residents, the principles behind it are sound but they are flawed because of the fundamental lacking within this local plan. 27,000 homes is far too high, no infrastructure being thought about. It's just, in fact, a developers' charter.”
Adele Brown, deputy Labour leader of the council and cabinet member for planning and infrastructure, replied: “Let's remember the real people behind these policies there are many who call Basildon their home and many businesses who have decided to be within our borough, this plan isn't just about maps and statistics it's about creating a community where we feel connected, secure and proud to live. This isn't just a tick-box exercise it's about creating opportunities for a stable future for thousands of our Basildon residents. This plan is about making sure our key workers can afford to live in the area they are dedicated to serving because we can't build a better Basildon if we are failing to support those who are shaping its next generation.
“As we look to the future, we know a thriving Basildon depends on creating jobs and building the foundations for a strong, stable economy. Let's be clear: this isn't about short-term gains it's about creating the sort of opportunities that last. This local plan is about ensuring Basildon’s employment land is primed for the jobs of the future. This plan ensures our greenbelt remains largely protected, preserving over 60 per cent of these green spaces. We are not just building homes; we are building places where people want to live, where there is a balance between growth but also between green spaces, where residents and families who want to spend every weekend in the local park can continue to enjoy the beauty of this borough.
"Then infrastructure, roads, public transport and cycle paths that connect us in 2021, a study showed us our residents commute less than 10km to work, while others spend hours each day travelling to earn a living. This plan ensures we are delivering the infrastructure at the point of need, ensuring that as Basildon grows, our community will have the support it requires in transport, education, health care, and green spaces.”
