Braintree District Council has taken a significant step forward in preparing its updated Local Plan after councillors approved the Submission Draft Local Plan for publication and consultation.
Thius was approved at a Full Council meeting tonight (Monday 21 September).
The decision marks a major milestone in the Local Plan review process and paves the way for the Regulation 19 consultation, which will launch on Wednesday 23 September 2026. The consultation will provide residents, businesses, community groups and other stakeholders a final opportunity to comment on whether the updated Local Plan meets legal requirements and is considered "sound" before it is submitted for independent examination.
The Submission Draft Local Plan has been developed following extensive community engagement, including the Regulation 18 consultation, alongside updated technical evidence, engagement with infrastructure providers and changes to national planning policy. It sets out how future growth across the district could be planned up to 2043, including homes, jobs, infrastructure, environmental protections and community facilities.
Unlike previous consultations, the Regulation 19 stage focuses on whether the plan meets legal requirements and is considered "sound" in planning terms. This means comments should consider whether the plan has been positively prepared, is justified by evidence, can be delivered and is consistent with national planning policy.
Councillor Gabrielle Spray, Cabinet Member for Planning at Braintree District Council, said: "Reaching this stage is a significant milestone in preparing an updated Local Plan for the Braintree district.
"The Submission Draft Local Plan reflects feedback received through previous consultations, together with updated evidence and national planning policy requirements. It sets out how we can plan positively for the future growth of the district while helping to secure the homes, jobs, infrastructure and environmental protections our communities need.
"The number of homes we must plan for is set by central government, not the council, and meeting that requirement is not optional. Without an up-to-date Local Plan, we would have less control over where development happens, less ability to secure infrastructure alongside growth, government intervention and a greater risk of unplanned development for several years which we of course do not want.
"While preparing a Local Plan involves difficult decisions, it remains the best way to plan for the homes, jobs, services and infrastructure our communities need. I would encourage everyone with an interest in the future of the district to take part in the consultation and ensure their views are considered as part of the independent examination process."
Further information about the consultation, including supporting documents and guidance on making representations, will be available from Wednesday 23 September at www.braintree.gov.uk/localplanreg19.
A series of engagement events, including drop-in exhibitions and an online webinar, will be held throughout the consultation period to help people understand the plan and how to respond. Hard copies of the documents and response forms will also be available in local Braintree district libraries and at the council's reception in Causeway House, Braintree.
Representations received during the Regulation 19 consultation will be submitted directly to the Planning Inspectorate alongside the Local Plan and supporting documents. A Government-appointed Planning Inspector will then examine the plan, consider all comments received and determine whether any changes are required before it can be adopted.
Once adopted, the new Local Plan will be used to help decide planning applications.
Residents who would like to stay updated on the Local Plan consultation and future engagement opportunities can sign up to receive the council's planning newsletter.