Residents, businesses and stakeholders are invited to comment on the Government-directed Local Plan as it enters the final stage of the plan-making process.
The consultation, which is sometimes referred to as ‘Regulation-19’, will open on Friday 6th November and run until Monday 21st December. The Draft Local Plan and supporting documents will be available to view and comment on via the dedicated Local Plan website.
Local plans are an important part of the planning system. They set out how an area is expected to develop over the coming years, including where new homes, employment opportunities, infrastructure and community facilities may be located. Having an up-to-date local plan enables councils to shape development in line with local priorities and evidence.
Southend-on-Sea City Council is encouraging anyone with an interest in the future development of the city to review the Draft Local Plan and submit their comments during the consultation period.
Cllr Kevin Robinson, Cabinet Member for Planning, Property and Governance, said:
“The Local Plan will help shape how Southend develops in the years ahead – not just for housing, but also local employment opportunities and other infrastructure like transport or community facilities.
“We have been told quite clearly to publish this plan by the Government and we need to do so before it is submitted for independent examination in early 2027.
“I would therefore encourage anyone with an interest in the future development of Southend, to read the Draft Local Plan and to have their say.”
Further information, consultation documents and details on how to respond can be found on the Local Plan website.
Additional information
- National planning policy requires local authorities to prepare and maintain an up-to-date Local Plan. Where a local authority does not have an up-to-date local plan in place, planning decisions may be determined with greater reliance on national planning policy and government housing requirements.
- Local Plans set out how an area is expected to develop and help guide decisions on housing, employment, infrastructure, transport and community facilities.
- On the 23rd October Southend-on-Sea City Council was formally directed by Central Government to publish its current draft Local Plan for consultation by no later than 6th November 2026.
- On 5th November 2026, the recommendation to publish the draft Local Plan under Regulation 19 of the Town and Country Planning Regulations 2012 (pursuant to the Government’s direction of 23 October 2026) was agreed unanimously by cabinet. Full Council will have the opportunity to review the final Local Plan in early 2027.
- The Regulation 19 consultation is the final statutory stage of public consultation before the Draft Local Plan is submitted to the Secretary of State for independent examination by a Planning Inspector. Comments submitted during the Regulation 19 stage must focus on whether the Draft Local Plan meets legal requirements and is considered "sound" under national planning policy.
- Hard copies of the consultation documents will also be available at Southend libraries and at the Civic Centre main reception for those who wish to review the proposals in person.
- Following consultation, the Draft Local Plan and responses received will be submitted for independent examination by a Planning Inspector appointed by the Secretary of State.