The Hatfield Peverel Neighbourhood Plan is the seventh neighbourhood plan to be adopted in the Braintree district, after councillors unanimously voted to approve it.
The Hatfield Peverel Neighbourhood Plan is the seventh neighbourhood plan to be adopted in the Braintree district, after councillors unanimously voted to approve it at a meeting of Full Council yesterday (Monday, 23 September).
The plan, created by Hatfield Peverel Parish Council, can now be used when determining future planning applications in the area. It sets out how the local community want to shape the development and growth of their area and what it should look like. This includes where they want new homes, what local infrastructure should be provided, safeguarding historic buildings and green spaces, and protecting and improving community facilities.
This follows a planning referendum held on Thursday 5 September 2024 where 87.6% of votes were in favour of the neighbourhood plan to help decide planning applications in the neighbourhood area, with 69 votes (12.2%) against.
Councillor Gabrielle Spray, Cabinet Member for Planning at Braintree District Council, said: “It’s fantastic news this updated neighbourhood plan for Hatfield Peverel is over the line, giving communities direct power to develop a shared vision and shape the development and growth of their local area. I would like to thank and congratulate the parish council and the local community on producing an excellent plan which will now be used as a key document when deciding future planning applications in the area.”
Cllr Mike Renow, Chair of the Hatfield Peverel Neighbourhood Plan Committee, said: “It is heartening to see the work of the NDP team for Hatfield Peverel Parish Council coming to a successful conclusion in providing a more robust plan that will be used in determining planning applications within the parish through to 2038. Thanks are due to the lead team, their advisors and volunteers for their support and effort over an extended period to get to this point.”
A joint statement from Hatfield Peverel ward councillors Cllr James Coleridge and Cllr Charley Dervish, said: “Having an updated neighbourhood plan is great news for Hatfield Peverel which reflects the views of the community and will guide future planning decisions for the village. A huge thank you to those who have participated in the creation of the final document.”
There are 18 neighbourhood plans either in progress or adopted in the district. Those adopted include Coggeshall, Cressing, Hatfield Peverel, Kelvedon and Feering and those currently in progress including Earls Colne, Steeple Bumpstead and a joint plan for Finchingfield and Wethersfield.
The Hatfield Peverel Neighbourhood Plan can be viewed here: www.braintree.gov.uk/hatfieldpeverelneighbourhoodplan.
More information about neighbourhood plans can be found here: www.braintree.gov.uk/neighbourhoodplan.