Rochford District Council has approved a new Local Development Scheme (LDS) timetable for the preparation of development plan documents and other key planning documents covering the period 2025 to 2028.
The revised timetable, approved at the Planning Policy Committee meeting on 16 January 2025, reflects the Council's commitment to delivering a robust and compliant Local Plan, in light of recent changes to the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF).
The Council’s previous LDS, adopted in February 2024, facilitated significant progress on the new Local Plan. However, recent updates to the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) in December 2024 introduced major changes affecting housing delivery, plan-making, and development management. These changes rendered the previous timetable unworkable, prompting the adoption of a realistic and achievable schedule that aligns with the new requirements, including revised housing targets.
The revised Local Development Scheme sets out the following key milestones for the emerging Local Plan:
- Preferred Options Document public consultation (Regulation 18): Summer 2025
- Proposed Pre-Submission Document public consultation (Regulation 19): Winter/Spring 2025-26
- Submission to Secretary of State for independent examination (Regulation 22): Autumn/Winter 2026
- Examination hearings: Spring 2027
- Main Modifications consultation: Summer 2027
- Inspector’s Report expected: Autumn 2027
- Adoption by Full Council: Winter 2027-28
In addition to the Local Plan, the Council will progress work on the Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL), ensuring that new developments contribute effectively to local services like infrastructure and schools.
The timetable for the CIL adoption is as follows:
- Evidence gathering and preparation of Draft Charging Schedule: Winter 2024/2025 to Summer/Autumn 2027
- Draft Charging Schedule consultation: Winter 2027
- Submission to Secretary of State for independent examination: Spring 2028
- Examination hearings: Summer 2028
- Main Modifications consultation: Autumn 2028
- Adoption by Full Council: Winter 2028
Councillor Jim Cripps, Chair of Planning Policy Committee for Rochford District Council, said: “The updated Local Development Scheme demonstrates our commitment to ensuring that the emerging Local Plan and supporting documents align with the latest national policies while reflecting the needs of our community. This revised timetable is both realistic and ambitious, ensuring we can meet the challenges of housing delivery, sustainable growth, and infrastructure development and ensure that residents and local businesses get the opportunity to have their say on the proposals.
For information on the approved schedule, you can read the full committee report here.