Local MP Kemi Badenoch has welcomed the news that local housing targets for Uttlesford and Chelmsford will no longer be increased. The proposals to increase housing targets for both authorities have now been scrapped.
A Government consultation published earlier this year proposed a new method for assessing local housing need. This would have meant a significant rise in the number of houses to be delivered by Uttlesford District Council and Chelmsford City Council.
However, responses to the Government’s consultation showed that people wanted to build more homes, but there was a strong desire that this need should be met in existing urban areas, where possible.
Mrs Badenoch commented, “I have held many meetings and made a number of representations to the Housing Minister outlining why the proposals to increase the number of houses to be built here would not work for our constituency, particularly for Uttlesford which does not have an up to date adopted local plan in place.
“Now the formula is remaining the same for Uttlesford and Chelmsford, Chelmsford can continue with its implementation of its adopted local plan. However, many constituents will be waiting patiently for the R4U led administration at Uttlesford District Council to come up with a new local plan as promised during the local elections.
“This plan must ensure the rural identity of our constituency remains and the infrastructure is in place to support additional housing it will absorb.”
The Government’s initial response to the consultation can be found here: www.gov.uk/government/consultations/changes-to-the-current-planning-system
