Local Plan - your questions answered

On this page you can find answers to frequently asked questions (FAQ) relating to the Local Plan.    

What is the Local Plan?

Every local authority in England must prepare a Local Plan. It’s a statutory document, required by national planning law, that sets out how an area will grow and change over the next 15 to 20 years.  

The Local Plan sets the strategic framework for development in the Braintree district. It helps us decide where new homes, jobs, shops, schools, community facilities and infrastructure should go, and how we protect what makes the district unique.  

It also ensures that new development is supported by the right infrastructure, such as public transport, green spaces, health and education facilities, and that growth happens in a sustainable and coordinated way.  

Once adopted, the Local Plan will have full, legal weight in deciding planning applications. It provides certainty for residents, developers and businesses about what can be built and where, and helps the Council deliver on priorities like tackling the climate emergency, supporting a fair economy, and improving quality of life.  

Why do we need it? 

The Government requires all local planning authorities to provide a long-term Local Plan to meet the area's needs for the future. The Local Plan enables the council to support the local economy and in doing so help meet housing and employment needs whilst ensuring the special character of the district is safeguarded.  

Without it, the Council loses the ability to secure and co-ordinate the development and infrastructure that are needed. There would be a greater risk of unplanned development in locations that may not be the most sustainable and have less ability to plan for and help secure infrastructure alongside growth. 

Planning applications would be more likely to be determined against national planning policy rather than a locally agreed local plan. 

It could also lead to government intervention – having elements of decision-making powers taken away and being instructed what to do with our Local Plan.  

It is therefore important that we work to review our plan as quickly as possible in order that the plan continues to meet the changing needs of our current and future residents, alongside addressing emerging challenges and help us make the most of new opportunities.  

Why is it important?

The Local Plan is not simply about how many homes are needed. It is also about ensuring that the Braintree district remains an attractive place to live, work and visit. 

The Local Plan will: 

• set out where new homes are most sustainably and suitably to be located 

• support the success of our local businesses including supporting the rural economy 

• seek the right facilities and infrastructure are delivered by developers 

• protect and enhance our historic buildings, conservation areas and other heritage assets 

• protect and enhance our natural environment and the countryside 

What stage is the Local Plan currently at? 

The process of preparing a Local Plan involves a number of stages. 
 
Two consultations were held prior to this one, most recently on the Draft Local Plan (known as Regulation 18) which took place between March and April 2026. 

1,537 separate people made over 2,700 comments, which have been carefully considered and have helped to shape the Submission Draft Local Plan. As well as your comments, we’ve also taken account of national planning policy requirements, and evidence across a wide range of issues. 
 
The Council considers that the Local Plan together with the supporting evidence base is now ready to go forward for independent examination by the Government Planning Inspectorate. 
 
Before submitting for examination, we are inviting representations of the Proposed Submission Draft Local Plan and the supporting documents. This consultation will run for 6 weeks from Wednesday 23rd September until 5pm on Friday 6th November 2026.  

How does the Local Plan impact planning decisions? 

Once adopted, the Local Plan will have full, legal weight in deciding planning applications. It provides certainty for residents, developers and businesses about what can be built and where and helps the Council deliver on priorities, like tackling the climate emergency, supporting a fair economy, and improving quality of life.

What will happen in my local area? 

The Local Plan outlines the areas where growth is planned to happen, with an overarching vision and policies. Major growth is proposed to focus on Braintree, Halstead, Kelvedon and Hatfield Peverel, but smaller sites are also identified across the district. You can read the Submission Draft plan maps to see what is proposed near you in the Local Plan, available online. 

What is the role of elected councillors during the Local Plan review?

Local councillors are responsible for making decisions on the updated Local Plan at key stages. This is via councillors who are part of our Local Plan Sub-Committee - more details available on our news page. 

Beyond this, councillors are engaged and briefed throughout the process so they can play a key role in the process and in communicating with their communities.

Where can I find out more about the Local Plan?  

More information about the Local Plan review can be found on the council’s webpage. Various studies which inform the plan-making process are available via this website on the Local Plan evidence page.  

Is their green belt in the Braintree district?  

The Braintree district does not currently contain any land designated as Green Belt. Green belt is land that was designed to protect urban containment around large settlements (in the case of other Essex Authorities and London). Braintree district does not have any designated green belt land as we are too far from London.