Latest news with #RochfordDistrictCouncil
Yahoo
13-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Support withdrawn for 10,000 homes plan near city
Pressure on towns and villages have made plans for 10,000 new homes "unsuitable", a council leader said. It came as Rochford District Council withdrew its support for the new town on land sprawling across Southend-on-Sea and Shoeburyness. The local authority made the decision during a meeting of its planning policy committee. Conservative leader Danielle Belton said: "Our district simply does not have the capacity for this scale of development." The council had previously submitted a joint "expression of interest" to the government with Southend-on-Sea City Council, which has not reversed its support. A report discussed during the meeting showed the new town would have included a new country park. The earmarked land was north of Fossetts Way and Bournes Green Close. Councillors voted to tell the government they would be withdrawing an expression of interest in the development. Belton said there was no evidence to show 10,000 homes were needed in the area. "Continuing to support the EOI [Expression of Interest] risks giving the impression that we endorse vast, unsuitable growth, at a time when our towns and villages are already under pressure," she added. Follow Essex news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X. Plans for thousands of new homes 'insane' - MP Calls for probe into 10,000 new homes plan Essex housing target increases by 37% Rochford District Council
BBC News
13-06-2025
- Business
- BBC News
Rochford District Council withdraws support for 10,000 homes plan
Pressure on towns and villages have made plans for 10,000 new homes "unsuitable", a council leader came as Rochford District Council withdrew its support for the new town on land sprawling across Southend-on-Sea and local authority made the decision during a meeting of its planning policy leader Danielle Belton said: "Our district simply does not have the capacity for this scale of development." The council had previously submitted a joint "expression of interest" to the government with Southend-on-Sea City Council, which has not reversed its support.A report discussed during the meeting showed the new town would have included a new country earmarked land was north of Fossetts Way and Bournes Green Close. Councillors voted to tell the government they would be withdrawing an expression of interest in the said there was no evidence to show 10,000 homes were needed in the area."Continuing to support the EOI [Expression of Interest] risks giving the impression that we endorse vast, unsuitable growth, at a time when our towns and villages are already under pressure," she added. Follow Essex news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X.
Yahoo
21-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Tories back in power at district council
The political leadership at a local authority has changed hands following an annual council vote. Rochford District Council is now run as a joint administration by the Conservatives, Rochford District Residents (RDR) and the Rochford and Foulness Wakering Independents (RFWI). Until recently, the council was jointly run by the Liberal Democrats and independents. Its new leader, Conservative Danielle Belton, said the three groups would work together on "shared priorities". "Given the current uncertainty due to local government reform, we believe that transparent, engaging and member-led leadership is vital for the future of the district, and that is what we intend to deliver," she said. Local councils in England are due to be dismantled and replaced as part of a major shake-up of local government. RDR councillor John Mason was made the deputy leader and said his party would be "working for residents" in coalition with the other two groups. Arthur Williams, group leader for RFWI, said his party shared "common goals" with his cross-bench colleagues. No single political party has had a majority in Rochford in recent years. The Tories have 10 members, RDR have eight, Lib Dems have eight, RFWI have three and 10 other councillors are from independent groups. Follow Essex news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X. Labour takes Thurrock as Tories suffer election blows Plans for thousands of new homes 'insane' - MP Rochford District Council
BBC News
21-05-2025
- Politics
- BBC News
Conservatives re-enter leadership at Rochford District Council
The political leadership at a local authority has changed hands following an annual council District Council is now run as a joint administration by the Conservatives, Rochford District Residents (RDR) and the Rochford and Foulness Wakering Independents (RFWI).Until recently, the council was jointly run by the Liberal Democrats and new leader, Conservative Danielle Belton, said the three groups would work together on "shared priorities". "Given the current uncertainty due to local government reform, we believe that transparent, engaging and member-led leadership is vital for the future of the district, and that is what we intend to deliver," she said. Local councils in England are due to be dismantled and replaced as part of a major shake-up of local councillor John Mason was made the deputy leader and said his party would be "working for residents" in coalition with the other two Williams, group leader for RFWI, said his party shared "common goals" with his cross-bench single political party has had a majority in Rochford in recent Tories have 10 members, RDR have eight, Lib Dems have eight, RFWI have three and 10 other councillors are from independent groups. Follow Essex news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X.
Yahoo
19-02-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Councillors agree plans for 2.95% council tax rise
Residents in south Essex face larger bills after a local authority agreed to increase council tax and car parking charges. Rochford District Council's 2.95% council tax increase will raise approximately £240,000, with a further £24,000 coming from increased parking charges. James Newport, the Liberal Democrat leader of the council, said: "Every penny we spend must deliver the best possible outcomes for our residents." Danielle Belton, leader of the Conservatives, said the increases were "surprising". At the full council meeting on Tuesday, councillors agreed to a council tax rise just below the maximum level, with 2.99% being the threshold. People living in a Band D property will see their bills rise by an additional £90.48 a year. Parking charges will go up, with an annual season ticket at Hockley Woods increasing by £92.33. Other car parks, including those at Websters Way, Mill Hall, and Old Ship Lane, are also set for an increase in costs, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service. Belton said: "We're increasing parking to raise £24,000 despite the fact this council has a pot of money called £90,000 for priorities. "A priority for this council should be keeping as much money in our residents' pockets as possible to help businesses, high streets and individuals." Newport said: "Value for money is at the heart of this budget. "We are focused on social value, making decisions that strengthen our economy, support community wellbeing, and deliver long-term benefits for residents and businesses." Follow Essex news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X. Council tax to rise with more money for roads Council reveals plan to raise tax by maximum 4.99% Local Democracy Reporting Service Rochford District Council
