Sam Metson

It’s essential for anyone that has land with potential for development to keep apprised of the opportunities arising from emerging local development plans.

A revised National Planning Policy Framework was published yesterday with the aim of putting ‘beauty’ at the heart of the English planning system. It was accompanied by the launch of a new National Model Design Code and ‘Office for Place’ within the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government. These changes follow the new National Design Guide introduced in January. Sam Metson explains what the revised NPPF means for planners, developers and promoters.

Emerging local plans are now at an advanced stage across the majority of Essex, with a few notable exceptions. However, many of the draft plans are being examined against the requirements of the 2012 NPPF and will require early review to address the current standard housing need methodology, or its replacement if confirmed by the Government. This will provide widespread opportunity across the county. The proposed changes to the Government’s standard methodology would increase development requirements across the majority of Essex, with particularly significant increases in Chelmsford, Maldon, Colchester and Uttlesford, as shown on our annotated map.

There are good opportunities available across Essex, with new Local Plans at the early stages of review across the north and centre of the county and immediate opportunities available in some areas elsewhere.

Our Planning team constantly monitor the activities of local planning authorities in Essex to identify opportunities for clients. March's update provides an insight to latest local plans coming forward across the region.