It is noted that Rochford Council currently proposes that the Standard Methodology Plus Buffer Scenario provides a buffer of 3600 homes above the Standard Methodology requirement for Rochford district which represents a 50% uplift. Providing such a buffer may assist in meeting unmet need from elsewhere and in particular adjoining local authorities within South Essex.

However towards the end of the Rochford Spatial Options consultation it is noted that neighbouring Southend on Sea Borough Council has undertaken a Regulation 18 consultation, “Refining the Plan Options” on its New Local Plan. Within the Southend Council proposals there is a Strategy Option D that seeks to meet part of its Standard Methodology dwelling requirement by locating growth within Rochford district boundary of up to 3,950 dwellings during the plan period to 2040 and potentially 4,900 dwellings beyond the plan period.

The dwelling number of at least 3,950 dwellings proposed by Southend Council in Rochford district in a cross boundary development is higher than the 3,600 dwellings potentially proposed by Rochford Council in its Standard Methodology Plus Buffer options to assist in meeting unmet need. There is also an additional 1,000 dwellings proposed beyond the plan period to be located in Rochford district..

Thurrock Council notes the difference in approach and dwelling numbers for potential cross-boundary development in this location as set out in the draft local plan consultations of both authorities. Clarification is sought on this matter and it is recommended that both authorities will need to consider this matter through further collaboration under the Duty to Cooperate to undertake additional evidence work to assess the deliverability of such development and seek to reach an agreement on a dwelling number for any cross-boundary development to inform the next stages of plan preparation.