Available EHDC Powers: Refusal Weighting in Planning Policy

Let’s say a developer owns land that the Local Plan already says should be used for housing — but they haven’t applied to build on it or have just left it sitting undeveloped. Now that same developer applies for permission to build somewhere else, outside of the Local Plan.

Refusal weighting means the Council can say:

“You already had your chance to build where we planned for it — but you didn’t. So we’re not going to let you jump the queue and build somewhere else.”

This kind of policy gives EHDC the ability to tell developers:

  • Use what you’ve been given first,
  • Stop bypassing community-led planning,
  • Don’t take more land when you’re not building on what you already have.

🧭 What Would the Policy Do?

  • It gives planning officers a clear reason to recommend refusal of speculative applications.
  • It lets councillors argue, “This developer hasn’t earned more land. They’ve ignored the plan.”
  • It protects the credibility of the Local Plan, which is built with public consultation.

🎯 Why Does It Matter?

Without this tool, developers can:

  • Sit on Local Plan sites,
  • Apply for easier or more profitable ones elsewhere,
  • Claim EHDC is failing to meet targets,
  • And get even more land approved — despite not delivering.

This turns Local Plans into wishlists instead of enforceable blueprints.

✅ Final Thought

Refusal weighting helps EHDC say:

“If you haven’t delivered what the community planned for, don’t expect special treatment.”

It’s fair, transparent, and reinforces public trust in planning.