SOUTHEND Council’s detailed plan for the development and growth of the town are being subjected to scrutiny.

The council has submitted its controversial Southend Central Area Action Plan (SCAAP) for independent examination by a planning inspector.

The public examination, which got underway at the Civic Centre yesterday, provides an opportunity for the planning inspector to ensure the plan is reasonable and sound.

As well as council officials, the meeting was attended by business bosses who have pointed to what they feel are flaws in the plan during public consultation, including Adventure Island boss Phillip Millar and chairman of the Seafront Traders Association Paul Thompson.

The meeting allows for interested members of the community to share their concerns, most of which centre around the lack of parking.

Planning Inspector Mike Fox stated that in order to find the plan sound, it must pass four tests.

He said: “The first is whether the plan was positively prepared.

“The second test is whether the plan is justified. Is it the most appropriate strategy when compared to the reasonable alternatives?

“Thirdly, is the plan effective? Does it do what it says on the tin?

“And finally, is it consistent with national policy and will it enable the delivery of sustainable development?”

At the first hearing, Mr Fox looked at whether the plan was legally compliant.

Mr Thompson, who acted as spokesperson at the meeting, criticised the council’s methods of consultation.

He said: “The business community feels that the council had their plan from day one and have just been going through the motions of box ticking.”

He pointed to misleading advertising of meetings during the consultation that led to the confusion, which the council officers refuted.

The examination will conclude on Thursday but there will be a number of hearings held covering every detail of the plan.

Mr Miller said: “So far it seems very fair. It’s too early to say how it’s going to go. I’m always optimistic. Fair play must prevail and it’s fairly obvious that the council are covering up. There was some squirming going on. They weren’t expecting this. They’re used to ticking boxes but this time there’s a real passion being shown by the town.”