Local Plan 2024
Your opportunity to shape Chelmsford’s future growth through the Local Plan
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How do you want Chelmsford to look in twenty years’ time?
The next stage of Chelmsford's Local Plan [
] has begun and we're inviting people to have their say on the draft plan.
This phase is called the 'preferred options' and is the second of three consultations taking place as part of a review of the plan to take us to 2041. We'd love as many people as possible to take part in the consultation.
When the revised plan is adopted in 2025/26, it will allocate land for housing, employment, and community facilities until 2041. We want you to be a part of this process.
Why now?
The government requires all councils to review their Local Plan every five years to see if it needs updating.
This review will ensure the Local Plan meets key council objectives: acting on the climate emergency, responding to the housing affordability crisis, building new infrastructure, and strengthening community ties.
The plan period extends to *2041* to make sure the council is planning for the future needs of local communities. The review does not propose to fundamentally change the general approach in the adopted Local Plan but seeks to improve it to address major challenges and take on board updated information for topics such as biodiversity and climate change.
What’s the Local Plan for?
*We need a Local Plan to ensure future growth happens sustainably and development is properly planned.*
Chelmsford is expected to require around 1,000 additional homes every year so having no growth is not an option. The plan must meet local development needs as well as listen to the views of local people on how they want Chelmsford to look in future years.
Having a clear and up-to-date plan for managing growth makes sure Chelmsford remains a vibrant and attractive place to live, work, socialise and study.
The Local Plan affects every resident of Chelmsford. It sets out how Chelmsford will grow, where businesses and homes will be located, and how we will protect our green environment and heritage.
This is the second stage of a consultation on the draft Local Plan. The first consultation took place in 2022 and the responses have shaped the ‘Preferred Options’ document which is what we are now consulting on. A third and final round of consultation will take place in early 2025 which will be informed by the responses we receive at this stage.
Creating jobs, open spaces and community facilities
The Local Plan is important for all ages to get involved with as we have to make sure there are enough homes for everyone. The children of today will need homes of their own in the future.
But the Local Plan isn't just about increasing the number of residential properties; it also highlights that we need to build communities with infrastructure and jobs nearby. There must be opportunities for employment and education. Plus, we need open green spaces that benefit our health and provide habitats for pollinators.
Consultation running until 19 June – your time to get involved
The consultation started on *Wednesday 8 May and will run for six weeks until 4pm on Wednesday 19 June 2024.*
During this time you can have your say [
] on the Preferred Options document and Integrated Assessment document.
*Online*
You can view the consultation documents and make comments on the council’s planning policy consultation portal
[
]
They will also be available to read during normal opening hours [
] at the council’s Customer Service Centre at the Civic Centre, Duke Street, Chelmsford.
*In person*
We will also be holding in-person exhibitions at the Civic Centre. These exhibitions will provide an opportunity for you to find out more and discuss the consultation with a planning officer.
Exhibition dates are:
* Thursday 16 May 2024 6pm – 8pm
* Friday 17 May 2024 1pm – 3pm
* Saturday 18 May 2024 10am – 12pm
* Thursday 13 June 2024 6pm – 8pm
* Friday 14 June 2024 1pm – 3pm
* Saturday 15 June 2024 10am – 12pm (with British Sign Language interpreter available)
Further exhibitions will be on display as follows. These will not be staffed.
table of event dates
You can also visit our online exhibition which covers the key consultation topics via
[
].
How to respond with your views
* Via our consultation portal at
[
]
* By email to planning.policy@chelmsford.gov.uk
* By post to Spatial Planning Services, Chelmsford City Council, Civic Centre, Duke Street, Chelmsford, CM1 1JE
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*Next Steps*
All comments will be used to inform the next stage of the process, the Pre-Submission Local Plan. We plan to consult on this in 2025.
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This email was sent to david.dawson@trustedcarcheck.co.uk using GovDelivery Communications Cloud on behalf of: Chelmsford City Council · Chelmsford Civic Centre · Duke Street, Chelmsford, Essex, CM1 1JE · (01245) 606440 GovDelivery logo [
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