We asked, you said, we did

We asked you about the issues that should be addressed through the Castle Point Plan, and the options available for addressing them. 

Specifically we sought your views on the options for meeting housing needs across the borough. 

Overwhelmingly you told us:

• You were concerned about the impact of growth on infrastructure and on the natural environment and Green Belt.
• You'd prefer for us to make the best use of land in the existing urban area and to look towards the regeneration of employment land rather than greenfield sites when identifying locations for new housing. 
• You supported the protection of open spaces, wildlife and heritage assets.
• You supported a move towards carbon net zero in new development, and that community, transport and health infrastructure were important to you.
• You wanted to ensure that where new houses were built that they were affordable for local people. You also indicated support for local businesses. 

Not everybody agreed with every point above. There were some stakeholders that wanted to see higher levels of growth, and less focus placed on nature conservation outcomes.

The Castle Point Plan is built around four key policies that will guide development across Castle Point:

• Protecting and improving green spaces: The plan puts nature first—supporting parks, green areas, and local biodiversity so that residents can enjoy more access to beautiful and healthy environments.
• Using urban land wisely: New development will be focused in existing towns and urban areas, with guidelines that make sure building densities are sustainable and suitable for each location.
• Meeting local needs for homes and jobs: The plan identifies where new housing and business spaces should go, helping Castle Point grow in a smart and balanced way. The current extent of the Green Belt remains unchanges. 
• Investing in infrastructure and community services: Developers will be expected to help fund things like schools, roads, healthcare, and community facilities - so that growth benefits everyone.

We asked you to tell us about the area in which you live.

You Described your area as:

• Friendly,
• Congested,
• Good Community,                                                                   
• Quiet(Environment),
• Busy(Traffic).

Told us what was important to you as:

• Green Spaces,
• Being Safe,
• Open Spaces,                                                 
• Green Belt Protection,
• Shops.

What you would change if you could as:

• Road Maintenance,
• Stop Development,                                                 
• Pot Holes,
• Road Improvements,
• Traffic Reduction. 

Anything Else about your area as:

• Congested,
• Stop Development,
• Green Belt Protection,
• Pot Holes,
• Road Condition.

We analysed the responses and published an Initial Engagement Outcomes report revealing how the community feel’s about where they live.

Initial Engagement Outcomes report 2023

We will use these responses to prepare the Castle Point Plan and will engage on the options for addressing the issues raised in the summer of 2024.