Local Plan - your questions answered

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

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. Without a local plan the district is open to speculative development which may provide a reduced level of infrastructure than would be required for sites allocated within the plan. 

Why are we reviewing it? 

The government requires all councils to review a Local Plan every five years. The Braintree District Local Plan was adopted in 2021, and therefore 2026 is the latest possible date we can review the current plan. 

The current Local Plan covers the period 2013-2033. The review will take the plan period into the early 2040s, which will mean that further growth will need to be identified as more people are moving into the area, people are living longer and to meet central government housing targets, and to meet the district’s needs over a 15 year period.  

If we fail to update our Local Plan, we run the risk of decision-making being taken away locally and having less say over where development goes. In a worst-case scenario, the government could even write the Local Plan for us. This means that they would make the decision about where new housing would go instead of the community and the council. We would also have less say over new open space, good design, high sustainability standards and having a good mix of housing that includes family homes and accommodation for the elderly. 

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 

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 check the plan maps and site allocations to see what is proposed near you in the Local Plan draft document available online.

What will happen to the current Local Plan during this review process? 

The current Local Plan remains the adopted policy position until the update is complete and a revised plan is adopted by the council.

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. 

You can also attend our in-person drop in events to speak to our team and learn more, as well as our online virtual webinar.  

If you have any further questions, you can also contact the Planning Team by email planningpolicy@braintree.gov.uk.