A new Neighbourhood Plan has been adopted by Braintree District Council to help shape future development and protect the environment in Earls Colne.
The Neighbourhood Plan was prepared by Earls Colne Parish Council, making it the ninth Neighbourhood Plan in the Braintree district to be considered when planning applications in the local area are decided.
This week on Monday, 21 July, the Neighbourhood Plan was formally adopted after councillors voted to approve it at a Full Council meeting.
The Earls Colne Neighbourhood Plan sets out what future development and growth of the village 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 3 July 2025 where 88% of those who voted were in favour of the neighbourhood plan to help decide planning applications in the neighbourhood area.
Councillor Gabrielle Spray, Cabinet Member for Planning at Braintree District Council, said: “It’s fantastic news another neighbourhood plan has been adopted in the Braintree district, which give local people a real voice in shaping the future of their community. They empower residents to influence planning decisions, protect what matters most, and help improve the places they live and work.”
Bob Cook, Chairman of Earls Colne Parish Council, said: “We are delighted that the Neighbourhood Plan has been adopted by Braintree District Council. We’re so grateful to the neighbourhood plan group and all the volunteers involved for their support and effort to get to this point. The plan will be instrumental in helping to guide development in Earls Colne's future when determining planning applications within the parish.”
A joint statement from Councillor George Courtauld and Councillor Gabrielle Spray as ward members for The Colnes, said: “There is so much hard work and commitment that goes into getting a neighbourhood plan adopted, so a huge thank you to those from the parish council and neighbourhood plan group for producing the document. It is great news for Earls Colne where the views of the community will guide future planning decisions for the village.”
There are 19 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 include Great Bardfield, Stisted and a joint plan for Finchingfield and Wethersfield.
More information about neighbourhood plans in the Braintree district can be found on the council’s website: www.braintree.gov.uk/neighbourhoodplan.