Future developments in and around Billericay

You may have read in the local newspapers of proposals for new developments in the Green Belt around Billericay. Two such proposals are the desires of the Burstead Golf Club to develop further sporting facilities, funded by housing developments, and the desires of the Billericay School to enhance educational facilities, also funded by housing developments. It is the long standing and well established policy of the Billericay District Residents' Association to oppose housing developments in the Green Belt. The recent press coverage would make you think that now is the time for action to oppose proposals such as the two just mentioned. Indeed vigilance is needed because the right time is soon. A report issued by Basildon District Council on 21 February explains: "By mid to late March the Team needs to publish a schedule and map of the sites put forward in the Call for Sites request, together with an explanation of the status of such sites. The planning status of all of these sites has not changed from its current allocation, designation or use granted by virtue of planning permission. They have been proposed for development by their owners (or by people who don’t own them). This does not mean that they are going to be developed, but that they will be considered for development during preparation of the Local Development Framework. If they were to be allocated for any type of development they would be subject to at least one further public consultation.

Over 200 sites were put forward, but not all of these proposals contained all the maps and other information that is required to assess them. All sites submitted as part of the Call for Sites proposals, will require a Sustainability Appraisal (and a Strategic Environmental Assessment) before any recommendations can be made about whether they might be suitable for development and for what purposes (e.g. housing, employment, open space)."

The two sites in Billericay, mentioned above, are included in the 200 sites, details of which will soon be published.

When this information is published, the Residents' Association will submit its views.