MORE than 27,000 homes could be built across Basildon over two decades, as councillors are set to progress a local plan for the borough. 

Basildon Council is set to consider a public consultation into the proposals for 27,111 over a 20 year period, between 2023 to 2043. 

Under the initial local plan proposals there would be a minimum of 10,420 affordable homes, a minimum of 235 new Gypsy and Traveller pitches and a minimum of a 13 pitch travelling showpeople yard. 

The plan are also set to include a minimum of 65 to 82 hectares of new employment land. 

Basildon Council's cabinet is due to consider the plans, on Monday, 11 November, and is expected to approve and recommend the draft local plan is published for public consultation. 

Under the plans, Basildon could see up to 4,313 homes built, Billericay up to 4,170 and Wickford up to 4,220 homes constructed. 

The plans also include up to 16,928 new homes on green belt sites. 

If agreed on Monday, the plan will then go a full council meeting on Thursday,14 November and then it could go out to consultation by Monday, 18 November.

There is a vast number of sites that are identified for potential development. 

These include up to 2,100 homes around Wick Country Park, up to 1,500 homes in south east Billericay and up to 1,000 homes on land south of Great Burstead. 

Cllr Adele Brown, cabinet member for planning and infrastructure said: "The local plan is not just a document; it is a process that touches on nearly every aspect of our borough, from housing to infrastructure. It affects everyone. The plan will include key policies that that will shape this borough for the next two decades. 

Sites across Basildon are being reviewed to facilitate this growth.

"Having a local plan in place is essential to ensure that Basildon people now and their children in the future have access to the housing, healthcare, leisure facilities, and green spaces they need. It marks an exciting step towards our future and not having one is simply a charter for the sort of irresponsible development nobody wants or needs. 

"Throughout the process, residents' input will be essential in creating a plan that reflects the needs and aspirations of our communities. 

"If approved at cabinet, the Basildon local plan regulation 18 consultation would launch as early as Monday, November 18 to shape these policies."