Members were aware that the public consultation on the Brentwood Local Development Plan (LDP) Strategic Growth Options had just been completed. A key element of the LDP was the assumption that around 3000 new homes may need to be provided on land currently designated as green belt. If it was proposed to de-designate parts of our green belt to meet future housing needs, Members would need assurances that this growth would be accompanied by the timely delivery of the necessary infrastructure to meet increasing demands for new physical and social infrastructure such as schools, roads, health-care and sports and leisure facilities.

It was therefore proposed to send a letter after the national elections to the incoming Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government seeking assurances that Brentwood’s proposed housing growth could only be sustainable if the appropriate physical and social infrastructure was resourced and delivered in parallel with the housing development. A draft letter had been circulated to Members and was tabled at the Ordinary Council meeting for consideration.

Cllr Mynott MOVED and Cllr Baker SECONDED  the recommendation in the report and following a debate a recorded vote was requested in accordance with Rule 9.5 of the Council’s Procedure Rules. Members voted as follows:

FOR: Cllrs Aspinell, Baker, Barrett, Carter, Chilvers, Clark, Mrs Cohen, Mrs Davies,

 Mrs Hubbard, Keeble, Kendall, Le-Surf, Lloyd, Morrissey, Mynott, Newberry, Quirk, Sapwell and Mrs Squirrell (19)

AGAINST: Cllrs Faragher, Mrs Hones,  Kerslake,  McCheyne, Mrs McKinlay, Mrs Murphy, Dr Naylor, Parker, Reed and Sleep  (10)

ABSTAIN: Cllrs Cloke, Mrs Coe, Mrs Henwood, Hossack, Russell and Ms Sanders (6)

The MOTION was CARRIED and it was RESOLVED that Members agree to send the letter to the in-coming Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government.

Reason for Decision

The letter to the Secretary of State for communities and Local Government will emphasize Brentwood Borough Council’s concerns that future housing growth needed to be accompanied by the funding and timely delivery of the appropriate physical and social infrastructure needed to facilitate the proposed growth.