RDC would suggest that a number of different options will need to be explored to help meet Southend’s identified housing needs. Southend Borough Council should consider the capacity of employment areas for accommodating housing needs where there are clear sustainable advantages and where the economic impacts for the wider community, including residents of Rochford District, are adequately considered and mitigated. Any such approach should prioritise underutilised sites or sites which due to their uses or location are of a lesser value. Southend Borough Council should not rule out building on land that is not currently developed unless there are clearly evidenced reasons why doing so would not be sustainable. In accordance with national policy, Southend Borough Council should plan for the housing needs of all in the community, including affordable and specialist housing needs, and accommodate these through its housing strategy. This should be supported by appropriate and proportionate evidence and informed by the Duty to Co-operate, including the emerging South Essex JSP.