Proposal for Settlement Role and Hierarchy Study

Rochford District Council and Southend-on-Sea Borough Council ('the Councils') wish to appoint a suitably qualified consultant to undertake a Settlement Role and Hierarchy Study ('the Study') to support and inform the preparation of their respective emerging local development plans. The study area comprises all of Rochford District and Southend Borough.

The primary purpose of the Study is to provide an indication of the role, function and relative sustainability of each settlement in Rochford District and Southend-on-Sea Borough; to establish a provisional settlement hierarchy to inform the preparation of emerging development plan documents; and to provide an analysis of the potential future growth needs of each settlement with respect to their future role, function and relative sustainability. The Study will form a key component of the Councils' evidence base to underpin policies in their emerging local development plans for housing and economic development, including supporting the delivery of sustainable development through an appropriate spatial strategy. The outcomes of the Study will enable the Councils to plan proactively for the future of both areas and their residents by ensuring future housing and employment growth with supporting infrastructure, as taken forward in their emerging development plan documents, is sustainably located and respects and enhances the role, function and relative sustainability of settlements across both authority areas.