The study assessed the implications of the National Housing and Planning Advisory Unit’s housing supply ranges for the East of England, on which the higher growth scenarios were based (the lowest scenario was based on continuing RSS growth rates).  We examined the consequences of the proposed growth scenarios for Greater Essex, identifying constraints influencing the scale and locations for growth, and how, if appropriate, they might be overcome.

The study analysed Greater Essex as a whole and four sub areas: Essex Haven Gateway, Essex Thames Gateway, Heart of Essex, and the M11 Corridor.  Each  stage of the study, informed by a series of stakeholder workshops, had a particular focus, such as:

 

Visioning and review of the evidence base
Summary and assessment of existing technical work and studies.
Identifying growth and spatial patterns
Assessment of the broad spatial patterns implied by the four scenario growth levels
Testing of growth levels and spatial patterns
to consider feasibility and desirability.  The criteria used:

At this stage, identification of ‘showstoppers’ in infrastructure, transport and environmental terms was key.

 

We provided Essex County Council with  a strategic view of the relative ‘appropriateness’ of particular levels and patterns of growth at sub-area and Greater Essex level, and of preferred growth levels and strategic spatial patterns.

 

Our main finding was that Greater Essex could – with significant caveats regarding the timely provision of infrastructure - accommodate slightly higher growth than in the RSS scenario, but that the severe constraints on achieving higher levels made it unrealistic.