Despite initial scepticism at the 120,000 new homes figure that was published in 2003, later publications such as the Inter-Regional Planning Statement by the Thames Gateway regional planning bodies in 2004, have recognised the capacity for the Thames Gateway to accommodate a greater number of new homes. The Southeast Plan also emphasises the need for more house building in the Thames Gateway.
However, just at the point when numerous regeneration and development projects in the southeast are set to kick off, the Government has chosen to introduce its new planning regime, creating new layers of complexity and confusion among the development and planning communities.
