DOCUMENTS set to be used for evidence in major proposals for housing development in Basilson and Billericay for the next two decades, which include more than 20,000 homes, are "flawed" and a consultation "risks excluding significant portions of the population", it has been claimed.

Billericay Town Council has raised concerns about Basildon Council's local plan, which includes around 27,000 new homes across the borough over the next two decades.

The town council has also raised concerns about the evidence being used for the local plan and states that there is too much reliance on the internet for public consultation. 

The town council has agreed to write to the borough council about its concerns about the local plan's evidence and how the consultation is being carried out.

The town council sent two letters to the borough council, highlighting its concerns about it. The town council says the evidence regarding the use of green belt land is "flawed and will result in significant grounds to challenge" to the plans. The town council also refers to a report by planning consultancy LUC.

One letter states: "Members of our planning committee have been analysing the above-mentioned report, which was carried out by LUC, and have concluded that it is flawed, incomplete and will adversely affect Billericay and its surrounding green belt should it be used as evidence in the local plan. 

"LUC have decided that Billericay and Wickford do not count as large built-up areas for the purposes of green belt purpose one: to check the unrestricted sprawl of large built-up areas.

"Neighbouring towns of a similar size, such as Rayleigh, Rochford, Brentwood, Shenfield and Hutton, are all properly assessed under purpose one. So, the question is, why are Billericay and Wickford not considered as large built-up areas? As Billericay and Wickford are excluded from proper assessment under purpose one, we feel that the overall green belt assessment is incomplete and flawed."

The second letter raises concerns about how the consultation is being held; it says: "The local plan consultation is a critical issue for Basildon, impacting residents across our community.

"While efforts to gather feedback are welcome, Billericay Town Council believes that your communication strategy risks excluding significant portions of the population, particularly those who lack any or regular internet access or those that are not engaged with social media platforms. This raises concerns about the inclusivity and fairness of the process." 

A Basildon Council spokesman said: "Responses to the local plan consultation will be collated on the consultation platform. Under the statement of consultation, these will be addressed, and where necessary, amendments to the plan will occur. The statement of consultation will be taken to cabinet for review and approval. 

"The local plan will shape Basildon for the next two decades, and we want to make sure it's the best it can be. The more people we hear from, the better we can plan for everyone.

"Please get involved and have your say – https://basildonlocalplan.commonplace.is. If you are unable to access the consultation online, call the council on 01268 533333 to discuss alternative ways of collecting your feedback."