There are two weeks left for residents to have their say on the latest round of consultation as part of the updated Local Plan for the Braintree district.
The Local Plan provides planning policies to guide future development and growth and identifies future sites for development.
With the government’s mandatory housing target at 1,115 new homes a year for the district, the Local Plan helps ensure these are in the most sustainable places with the necessary infrastructure to meet growing needs of residents and businesses, while protecting the environment.
This round of 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. It explores a range of topics for people to comment on, including housing, local economy and retail, transport, infrastructure and the environment.
Residents have until midnight on Friday 7 March to share their views 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 were held at venues across the district where over 100 residents met with officers to find out more about the plan.
Councillor Gabrielle Spray, Cabinet Member for Planning at Braintree District Council, said: “Thank you to everyone who has responded to the survey so far or came to talk to us - your feedback is invaluable to help us shape an updated plan that reflects your needs.
“If you haven’t already, please do take part in the short survey to ensure your voice is heard in shaping the priorities around future growth and development of the district over the next 15 years and beyond. Key to the plan is making sure new homes are safe, high-quality and in the most sustainable places that is best for communities, along with the infrastructure needed to support this growth.
“No decisions on potential sites have been made at this stage and we will take the views of the community into account when we consult on these later in 2025."
The council will consider all comments received to help inform the draft Local Plan document, which will be consulted on later in 2025 including the proposed sites where new homes, jobs and other facilities could be located.