Local authorities across North Essex have expressed deep concerns about the “punitive and disenfranchising implications” of mandatory housing targets proposed in recent government reforms, according to the Local Government Association (LGA).
In July, the Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government launched a consultation on its proposed changes to the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF), aiming to deliver 1.5 million new homes over the next five years. These changes include reintroducing mandatory annual housing targets, raising the target from 300,000 to 370,000 homes, along with requirements for a five-year land supply and a housing delivery test.
The LGA, however, warned that these policies could have severe consequences for local councils, potentially leading to “unplanned speculative development” that undermines the existing planning system. The association argued that these rushed developments could yield “poorly planned homes” that end up in unsustainable locations, far from necessary infrastructure and services. The LGA emphasized that councils with local plans up-to-date within the past five years should not be forced to meet additional requirements for a five-year land supply.
While recognizing the need to increase housing, the LGA stressed that “any target derived by a formula that ignores local circumstances and the practicalities of local delivery is likely doomed to fail.” The organization insisted that national targets cannot replace the value of local knowledge and decision-making, urging that planning frameworks must account for local needs and obstacles.
The LGA also advocated for “transitional arrangements” to prevent an “overnight shift” to speculative development. Given the lengthy process to create local plans, it warned that, without such measures, North Essex could face ad hoc developments pushed through via appeal, undermining local trust and draining council resources.
North Essex Councils Voice Opposition to Reforms
A coalition of North Essex councils, including Braintree, Epping Forest, Harlow, Maldon, Tendring, and Uttlesford districts, alongside Colchester and Chelmsford city councils and Essex County Council, submitted a unified response to the government’s consultation. These councils stated that the proposed changes would force them from having a “comfortable five-year housing supply” to facing significant shortfalls almost overnight. This abrupt shift, they warned, could trigger a wave of planning by appeal, causing housing developments to be decided outside the control of local authorities.
Chris Whitbread, chair of the North Essex Councils’ Leaders and Chief Executive Group, highlighted the disconnect between the government’s vision for growth and the realities local councils face. “While the current planning system pressure varies from council to council, we’re all grappling with the need to provide safe, affordable homes. At the same time, we’re dealing with poor-quality speculative applications, appeals, and a lack of funding for critical infrastructure.”
Whitbread emphasized that while North Essex councils support growth, they want to work with the government to achieve it “in a way that’s sensible and sustainable,” suited to local needs and priorities.
The broader planning community has also voiced its concerns. Last week, the District Councils Network (DCN), the Town and Country Planning Association (TCPA), and the Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI) all shared similar reservations, with the TCPA noting that some councils may have “no realistic prospect” of meeting the proposed targets.
With over 10,000 responses received during the consultation period, housing minister Matthew Pennycook stated on social media that the government has started reviewing feedback to finalize the reforms by the end of the year. As North Essex councils await the outcome, the hope is for a more balanced approach that considers the unique challenges and community needs of the region.
