Tendring’s local plan takes another step forward

The blueprint for future development in Tendring is taking an important step forward this summer following positive recommendations from a government-appointed Planning Inspector.

Section Two of Tendring District Council’s (TDC) Local Plan was the subject of a two-week public hearing conducted using online technology earlier in the year. The Inspector has now recommended a series of main modifications that will ensure it meets with both legal and national policy requirements.

Most of the recommended modifications had already been put forward by TDC in response to previous consultation comments and to ensure the plan was kept up to date.

Following a meeting of the Planning Policy and Local Plan Committee last night (Tuesday, 29 June), the Inspectors’ modifications will be published for a six-week public consultation in the summer.

This will allow people to make any final comments on the proposed changes, with responses going directly to the Planning Inspector. They will then issue a final report allowing the council to formally adopt Section Two of the Local Plan.

Nick Turner, Chairman of the Planning Policy and Local Plan Committee, welcomed this next step in the process.

“Receipt of the Inspector’s main modifications is an important part of the process to complete the adoption of our new Local Plan, and the fact that the Inspector has endorsed many of the council’s own ideas and suggestions is very reassuring,” Cllr Turner said.

“A lot of work has gone into ensuring our long-awaited Local Plan is fit for purpose, reflects the issues that matter to local people and gives us the best chance of ensuring future development is of the highest quality.

“I would encourage people to look at the Inspector’s modifications and have their say when the consultation begins but I am hopeful that most people will be able to see that they are sensible improvements that will put our district in a better position going forward.”

A Local Plan is a strategic blueprint document setting out how development should take place across the district for the future, with the emerging Local Plan for Tendring covering the period until 2033.

Section One of the Local Plan, submitted jointly by TDC along with Colchester Borough Council and Braintree District Council and looking at strategic planning matters, has already been examine, approved and adopted.