The New Local Plan
As the local planning authority, the council is responsible for developing local plans, gathering the necessary evidence, and consulting with local communities, businesses and interested parties.
The new Local Plan for Uttlesford will bring together all major planning policy for the District into a single document. It will also need to meet the requirements of the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF).
► Documents which make up the local plan
► Local Plan frequently asked questions
Housing
One of the main requirements in the NPPF is for local authorities to significantly boost their supply of housing and this applies across the Country. A document called a Strategic Housing Market Assessment (SHMA) helps the Council work out how many houses are needed and of what type. The adopted SHMA states that Uttlesford needs to provide 12,500 homes, or 568 per year. However, the most recent population projections suggest that 14,100, or 641 per year may be required. The council is testing that figure in the new Plan.
How the housing might be spread out around the district was considered by the Council on 26 July 2016 at which members approved a strategy to identify 4,600 additional new homes in a new settlement(s), the main towns and villages.
Further evidence on whether this is achievable will be collected before a decision on a precise number is included s part of the draft Plan which will be published in the Summer of 2017.
► Update on Uttlesford's Objectively Assessed Housing Need (September 2017)
Infrastructure, Jobs and Community Facilities
The council will be working with the NHS, education and highways authorities and other organisations to ensure that vital community facilities such as schools, GP surgeries and roads and public transport links are in place to support existing residents as well as new communities.
Developing the economy of the district will be an important part of the Local Plan which will need to identify land for employment use and to suggest the best sites for business to grow. It is anticipated that 9,975 jobs will be created over the plan period, with 900 jobs associated with housing growth in Uttlesford District and around 9,000 at Stansted Airport.
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