Site allocations
What is a site allocation?
A site allocation is a piece of land identified in the Local Plan as suitable for development following a robust assessment process. Each allocation sets out what type of development is expected (for example, housing, commercial space, or mixed use) and includes design principles and requirements to guide planning applications. Site allocations help make sure development happens in the right places and meets local needs.
There are 50 site allocations in the Braintree district. 10 are strategic growth locations and 40 are non-strategic locations including brownfield sites in urban areas that can contribute to regeneration.
What happens to the current sites outlined in the current Local Plan?
Sites already allocated in the current Local Plan that have not yet been delivered will be carried over into the updated Local Plan and additional sites are being proposed to cover the new plan period.
Can allocations be changed as a result of consultation if alternative sites come forward at this stage?
The site allocations identified in the Draft Local Plan are based on robust evidence, including the Sustainability Appraisal that rigorously tested the policies and site allocations included in the Plan as well as the reasonable alternatives.
Changes will only be suggested to the Plan if it is necessary to achieve a sound plan.
The Regulation 19 consultation process allows the public and key stakeholders to make comments on the site allocations in the Draft Local Plan, with a view of ensuring the site allocations are legally compliant, sound and have been prepared in accordance with the Duty to Cooperate.
Does allocation mean development has been approved?
No. An allocation identifies land that the Council considers suitable in principle for development. The allocation must still be agreed by an independent Inspector through the examination of the Local Plan. All allocated sites in the Local Plan will still require planning permission before development can take place.
What is the difference between an allocation and planning permission?
A site allocation and planning permission are not the same thing.
Site allocation
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Allocating a site in the Local Plan establishes that the Council considers the site suitable in principle for a particular type of development.
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It identifies where growth is expected to take place during the plan period.
Planning permission
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Planning permission is a separate process.
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Detailed proposals must be submitted and assessed against planning policies and site-specific requirements.
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Matters such as layout, design, highways, drainage, environmental impacts and infrastructure provision will still need to be considered.
An allocated site will still require a planning application before development can proceed.
