What happens next

This is the first in a number of public consultations on the new local plan. As the plan is progressed through its statutory stages of preparation there will be further opportunities to make further comments on the plans contents.

Figure 1 shows the plan preparation timetable for the Southend New Local Plan. A ‘live’ timetable of preparation is also available here.

Following submission the Government will appoint a Planning Inspector to undertake an independent examination in public. Their role will be to examine all evidence, including comments made, and consider it against national planning policy to determine whether the Local Plan is sound and legally compliant and may be then adopted by the Council to become planning policy.

As an approximation, the period from submission to adoption may range from 6 to 9 months dependent on the content and scope of the plan, issues arising during examination and scheduling of meetings.