The Hidden side of Essex

The Department of Communities and local Government released the new Indices of Deprivation last week, which makes some interesting reading, of which the most astonishing is that the most deprived area in England is not in either the north nor a inner city, but is rather a small coastal community in Tendring District (Essex); a place somewhere generally associated with footballer pads and spray tans. 

The village of Jaywick was built at the start of the last century as a retreat for Londoners wishing to get away from the city. Over time many of the properties built as holiday homes have being converted into permanent dwellings. Despite this many of the roads and services have seen little in the form of Investment while a increase of homes under the control of a few landlords has seen many of the properties deteriorate. 

Jaywick has great potential, it has a excellent beach for one; it is close to London while the surrounding areas include some of the most prosperous in the country. The homes need love and attention but the potential for a small quirky resort of real character is there. The question is of how this could be achieved.

 Only 8 years ago the village had the highest rate of property ownership in the area , now four fifths of all the housing stock is rented, with the landlords only regard making a quick buck leading to an almost gypsy like turnover of residents, and the lack of permanence that can create a community. 

Perhaps one idea could be for a locally run housing association to purchase vacant properties, and to rent them to local people on secure and long term contracts. This would give people greater control over the properties and a sense of ownership which seems to be missing.

There is also a duty for  Essex County Council to ensure the roads are fit for purpose, again what does it tell local residents when the local council cannot even be bothered looking after its roads. 

There is a major caravan park on one side of the village which shows there is still some demand for holidays in the area and all it takes is for enterprising locals to buy and renovate some properties back for use as holiday chalets. 

Whatever the outcome I hope this report illustrates to rural authorities that it is not just the inner cities that are prone to deprivation; what shocks me is that it takes such a report to bring this desperately needy area any attention. 

England 2010

From above

Major changes to planning system announced in Spring Budget

As expected the UK chancellor George Osborne has used his budget to announce some major changes to the UK planning system, which he called a 'chronic obstacle to economic growth'  with the aim of encouraging development for economic gain.


The changes include relaxing planning regulations to try and kick start house building, following many years of  declining numbers of new homes constructed.  The fear for many here is a increase in greenfield sites swallowed up for development, there is also a fear that the government will remove guidelines specifying density levels which could lead to overcrowded residential areas.


Local planning authorities have also being given a 12 month time limit for the processing of ALL planning applications, including appeals. This may be fine for a rural authority but in a urban borough with many major applications in at once this will surely be a tough ask. 


Enterprise zones have also made a welcome comeback, the first of which will be located in Leeds, Sheffield, Manchester Airport, Liverpool, The Tees Valley, Nottinghamshire, The Black Country, London, Derbyshire and the West of England.


Each enterprise zone will feature simplified planning processes as well as discounts on businesses that choose to locate in these areas. Critics have argued they simply run the risk of simply shifting businesses from one area to another.

Vince Cable Blasts UK Planning System

Vince Cable the UK business secretary has attacked the UK planning system, (1) calling it 'slow and prescriptive' and a major barrier for businesses, with what he describes as a presumption against development in many cases. He said that 'thousands of 'no decisions have prevented economic growth, for example the retailer regenerating a town or international headquarters moving elsewhere. 


Mr Cable also reveals that through speaking to major corporations  keen to invest in the UK, many were put off with the time consuming process of the current system. 


Mr Cable is proposing the re-introduction of Enterprise zones which were highly successful in the 1980s, through streamlining planning system in these areas and launching tax incentives for business.  


The UK has a strong planning system which ensures development is appropriate and that over development does not take place, all development is considered on its merits and relationship to policy and thus I cannot help feel that many planners will find Mr Cable's initial comments hard to digest; no planner would refuse a scheme if they felt it was of  the best interests of the area for development to take place.


Perhaps the biggest problem that the UK planning system faces is a 'fear' of development amongst many committee members, who will go against planning officer advice, leading the council and taxpayer into a costly battle against businesses and developers. 


With regard to  simplified planning zones, this is a sensible idea and one that has shown to have worked both in the UK and across Europe, notable examples include the London Docklands and Manchester Castlefield districts.