STORY
Planning Minister Matthew Pennycook has directed Basildon Council to make progress on its local plan after Government concerns about the age of the authority’s planning framework. Basildon has not adopted a local plan since 1998.
The minister’s intervention letter requires the council to begin Regulation 19 consultation by 10 August. The council has also been directed to submit the plan for examination by 31 December 2026.
Basildon councillors have criticised the intervention and backed a motion calling for the Government to revoke its housing target for the area. The council also sought a commitment that new housing should be matched by infrastructure and public services.