Southend-on-Sea City Council has launched a public consultation on the next phase of its New Local Plan, which will help shape how the city grows and develops over the next 15 years.
The consultation is now live until Tuesday 30 September 2025, and seeks views on the long-term vision and planning policies for Southend-on-Sea - including for new homes, jobs, transport, and community facilities. The plan is designed to ensure the city continues to thrive for residents, businesses, and visitors.
This next stage, called the Preferred Approach with Options, outlines the Council's options for where and how Southend could grow, and follows earlier feedback from the previous Issues and Options and Refining the Plan Options consultations.
Some of the key points include:
- a clear strategy for managing future growth while protecting Southend's unique character
- proposals for new homes, employment space and local facilities that ensure developments are infrastructure-led
- a strong focus on sustainability, including green spaces, active travel routes, and low-carbon development
- plans that reflect the needs of different local neighbourhoods and communities
- an option for creating a new neighbourhood to the north of the city to help meet housing needs and provide new parkland
Cllr Anne Jones, cabinet member for planning and housing, said: “This is a key moment for Southend-on-Sea. The New Local Plan is more than just a planning document, it's a roadmap for how we want our city to grow and thrive over the next 15 years
“It's about creating great places to live, supporting jobs and businesses, and making sure development happens in the right way, in the right places. We want to hear from as many people as possible. Your voice is vital in shaping the future of our city.”
Residents, businesses, and community groups are encouraged to get involved. A virtual exhibition, interactive map, full draft of the plan and details of local drop-in events, and the consultation are available on the Southend Local Plan website.