Local Plan 2043

The updated Local Plan will guide what can be built and where between 2026/2027 and 2043. It includes some of the sites put forward by landowners and developers to meet the Government’s new housing target of 19,261 houses that must be built over the lifetime of the Local Plan.

We have published the Local Plan Submission Draft for comment before it is submitted to the Government for examination. This stage is known as the Publication Stage or Regulation 19. 

• Representations must focus on whether the plan is legally compliant and sound
• You can choose what to comment on – you don’t need to respond to everything
• We cannot accept anonymous representations
• Your name, post town and representation will be published on the website as part of the examination process

View our Guidance Note on submitting representations. 

For further information, view our Local Plan Questions and Answers.

The easiest way to comment is online through the online planning portal.

Consultation Portal

You can also view the Evidence Base documents which have informed the preparation of the Local Plan.

The consultation closes at 5pm on Friday 6 November 2026.

If you cannot use the online planning portal, you can:

• Use our web form to submit your response
• Paper response forms can be found at Braintree district libraries, Causeway House, Braintree or our drop in events. These can either be sent back by email to planningpolicy@braintree.gov.uk or posted to: Planning Policy, Braintree District Council, Causeway House, Bocking End, Braintree, CM7 9HB.

Please note: We are aware that Silver End library will be closing for repairs and with the assistance of the parish council we are currently looking for a suitable alternative venue for paper response forms in this area during the closure.

What happens next

We will prepare documents for submission to the Government, alongside all the representations received.

Before submission, the Plan will be considered at an additional Full Council meeting, where councillors will be asked to approve its submission for independent examination.

The Government will then appoint an independent Planning Inspector to undertake a ‘public examination’ of the Plan and propose any modifications which are required to ensure that the Plan is sound and legally compliant. The Planning Inspector may organise public hearings to assist with this process, ensuring the examination is open and transparent.

This is the last stage of the process for producing a Local Plan.

Drop in events

We have organised in-person drop-in events to help you understand the Local Plan and its supporting evidence, and support you in preparing your representation in the right way.

Online webinar

We are also hosting an online webinar where you can find out more about the Local Plan, Regulation 19 and how to make a representation.

Please register your attendance online beforehand. You will then receive a diary invite to attend, and you can submit questions beforehand.

The webinar will be recorded and posted on our YouTube channel after the event, along with written responses to questions received.

If you experience any problems registering, please email planningpolicy@braintree.gov.uk.

Useful documents and links

• PDF version of the Submission Draft Document - 21.17MB
• Summary leaflet for Reg19
• Interactive response form (For best results, please download the form and open it using Adobe Acrobat Reader (free). Browser preview may display fields differently.
• Event poster
• Statement of Representation Procedure - Sept 2026

Watch our step-by-step video on how to submit a representation on the online planning portal.

How to keep updated 

Sign up to our planning e-newsletter

Sign up to our Planning Policy Consultation Portal
 

Last updated: October 2026