Southend-on-Sea Borough Council is to discuss plans for all new housing and commercial developments could have electric vehicle (EV) charging points.

The plans are part of a proposed new planning policy.

It follows on from a public consultation earlier this year which saw an overwhelming 92% of respondents agree or strongly agree with a change of planning policy so all new buildings with car parking will have EV charging points.

It also follows on from the council declaring a Climate Emergency in September 2019 and electric vehicle charging infrastructure is a priority action within the council’s Green City Action Plan, which sets out a five-year plan to work towards net zero carbon emissions.

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Cllr Carole Mulroney, cabinet member for environment, business, culture and planning, said: "Year-on-year we are seeing more vehicle owners turn to electric vehicles and we have to adapt our policies to meet the needs of our residents; something 92% of our residents clearly support.

"The major development schemes in progress at the moment, including Better Queensway, Seaway and recently approved plans for Fossets Farm and Roots Hall all include many electric vehicle charging points within their plans.

"If the recommendations are agreed, the supplementary planning powers are much stronger to ensure developers contribute to the increase of electrical vehicle infrastructure. This will help us reduce carbon emissions across the town and help us reach net zero carbon emissions by 2030."

Under the policy, every new residential building with an associated car parking space would need to have a charge point. Where there are more than 10 car parking spaces associated with the building, a minimum of one charge point should be installed for each home, with enabling infrastructure for each remaining space.