A SOUTH Essex schoolboy appointed to the Cabinet will decide on the future of housing in Castle Point.

James Brokenshire, who was born in Southend and lived in Basildon, has been put in charge of a major planning decision for Canvey and the surrounding area after being named the new Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government.

On Monday the Echo revealed Castle Point Council’s failure to put together an acceptable local plan meant the Government may intervene and impose one.

The local plan lays out how many houses will be built and the associated infrastructure.

Castle Point Council claimed “exceptional circumstances” were to blame but Mr Brokenshire’s predecessor Sajid Javid decided these were not exceptional enough and central Government could impose housing levels on the area instead.

Mr Brokenshire, the MP for Old Bexley and Sidcup, said: “I am determined to get Britain building the homes our country needs so everyone can afford a place to call their own.

“I look forward to working with councils across the country by supporting them to deliver quality public services and build strong integrated communities.”

Castle Point Council’s chief executive David Marchant said: “We are co-operating fully with the government planning team as they review the history of our local plan to inform the next steps of the secretary of state.

“We will take the opportunity to explain how the ground breaking work Castle Point is part of, with other south Essex authorities, must continue to help shape the future of our area.”

The council has also invited landowners to put forward sites which may be suitable for housing.

Mr Marchant said: “The call for sites will not decide whether a site should be allocated for development. An assessment of all sites and submitted information will be carried out before any decision is taken.”

The council is looking to identify areas for housing, employment or development between the next five to 15 years.