Concerns Rise Over Plan for 27,000 New Homes in Basildon
The proposal to build 27,000 homes in Basildon has sparked significant concerns among local officials and residents.
Basildon, Essex, Housing, Local Plan, Infrastructure
Basildon: There’s a lot of chatter about the plan to build 27,000 new homes in the area. People are worried about what this means for the community. Essex County Council is raising flags about the potential impact on local infrastructure and services.
They think Basildon Council needs to step up its game and really engage with the community and stakeholders. The council is on board, saying they’ll keep the conversation going as they prepare the plan for submission later this year.
But not everyone is on the same page. The opposition leader, Andrew Baggott, has called the plans “bonkers” and believes the housing numbers are way too high. The local plan suggests a mix of homes across Basildon, Billericay, and Wickford, which has stirred up quite a bit of debate.
If everything goes through, we could see over 27,000 homes built by 2043, including a good chunk of affordable housing and spaces for Gypsy and Traveller communities. That’s a big deal for the area.
Essex County Council is also concerned about the logistics of all this. They’re talking about the need for better transport and social infrastructure to support such a massive increase in housing. They want to make sure everything aligns well and that Basildon Council is proactive in planning for these changes.
They’ve suggested that Basildon Council rethink their approach, especially regarding employment land and how it fits into the overall plan. It’s not just about homes; it’s about creating a balanced community with jobs and services.
In response, a spokesperson from Basildon Council said they appreciate the feedback and will keep working with Essex County Council as they finalize their plans. It’s clear that this is just the beginning of a long conversation about the future of Basildon.