Local Government Reorganisation (LGR)
How will the Local Government Reorganisation affect the Local Plan?
The Government has withdrawn its previous decision on Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) in Essex and has announced a review of the programme. This means there is currently no confirmed timetable or final decision on the future structure of local government in Essex. The Government has also confirmed that local elections in May 2027 will go ahead on existing council boundaries.
Regardless of the outcome of the review, Braintree District Council remains responsible for preparing a Local Plan for the district. Having an up-to-date Local Plan is the best way to manage future growth, influence where development takes place and secure the infrastructure and services needed to support communities.
If a new unitary authority is created in the future, any adopted Local Plan would remain in place for the Braintree district area until it is reviewed or replaced by a new plan covering the wider authority area. However, if the council does not progress the Local Plan, the district could remain without an up-to-date plan for several years, reducing local control over development and increasing the risk of speculative planning applications.
The Council wishes to retain control over where growth happens and is therefore looking to submit its plan by 31 December 2026.