The Issues and Options consultation, which launched today (Monday 20 January 2025), is the latest opportunity for communities to share their views as part of the development of an updated Local Plan.
A Local Plan sets out policies and proposals that guides future development and growth in an area in a sustainable way, whilst ensuring that infrastructure is adequately provided for a growing population. It addresses needs and opportunities for housing, employment, transportation, community facilities, while preserving local heritage and how to best protect and improve the environment.
The Issues and Options consultation sets out the key challenges and opportunities for future development in the Braintree district and asks for views on how to best address these through planning policies. The consultation explores a range of topics, including housing, local economy and retail, transport, infrastructure and the environment.
Braintree District Council wants to give everyone the opportunity to have a say on the Braintree District Local Plan Review. Residents, businesses and stakeholders can get involved and give feedback until midnight on Friday 7 March by going online to the council’s dedicated consultation platform: www.braintree.gov.uk/localplanengagement. Alternatively, hard copies of the response form can be found at the council offices at Causeway House in Braintree or the following local libraries: Braintree, Coggeshall, Earls Colne, Halstead, Hatfield Peverel, Kelvedon, Sible Hedingham, Silver End and Witham during normal opening hours.
Seven drop-in events will be held at venues across the district where anyone can meet planning officers, share their ideas and thoughts, and ask questions about the plan.
Councillor Gabrielle Spray, Cabinet Member for Planning at Braintree District Council, said: “This is an important step in the council’s work to develop an updated Local Plan which will guide the decisions on the future development in the district so that the needs and opportunities of local residents and businesses are met. Residents know best what it is like to live, grow up and work here, which is why the Local Plan must be shaped by their insight on the issues most important to them.
“We want to hear from as many people as possible on their thoughts, ideas, concerns and the issues that matter most to them. I would encourage residents, particularly our young people, to actively engage with this process, share their views online or by visiting one of the drop-in sessions.”
Once the consultation has closed, the council will consider all comments received to help inform the next stage of the Local Plan Review and guide the policies and strategies that will shape the future of the Braintree district. The next stage will be the Preferred Options consultation, where residents will have further opportunity to comment on the updated and new policies, and the proposed sites where new homes, jobs and other facilities could be located.
More information on the consultation and the drop in events can be found on the engagement platform: www.braintree.gov.uk/localplanengagement.