Views are sought from the public on proposals to create a neighbourhood plan for Elmstead Market.
The Parish Council has produced and submitted to Tendring District Council (TDC) a Draft Neighbourhood Plan for the area, along with several supporting documents.
Whilst the District’s own Local Plan was adopted in January 2022, parish and town councils can also prepare their own individual neighbourhood plans at any time. These help local people directly shape the place where they live and work – allowing them to identify their own vision for how their area should develop for the future.
The Parish Council is also submitting a Neighbourhood Development Order, which will have the power to grant planning permission for a specific development - in this case, outline planning permission to demolish the village hall and replace it with up to nine apartments.
A six-week consultation on the Draft Neighbourhood Plan and Neighbourhood Development Order runs until 30 October, with residents and other interested parties invited to comment.
Andy Baker, TDC Cabinet Member for Housing and Planning, encouraged people to have their say during the consultation.
“Having a neighbourhood plan allows people to have a greater say on the future shape of their community, putting in place additional planning policy to make sure new development reflects the views of local residents and businesses,” Councillor Baker said.
“In this case, with the proposed Neighbourhood Development Order, there is also a specific planned piece of development intended to improve the community, and it is crucial people give their views on this.
“While much work goes into preparing these proposals, it is important we hear what those in the community have to say; and therefore I encourage people in Elmstead Market to read and comment on the proposals during the consultation period.”
TDC will be hosting two in-person consultation events at Elmstead Village Community Centre (Station Road, CO7 7ET) on Tuesday, 26 September from 6-8pm and on Friday, 29 September, from 11am-2pm.
To view and comment on the Draft Neighbourhood Plan and supporting documents visit the TDC website at https://www.tendringdc.uk/sub-content-pages/elmstead-market-neighbourhood-plan; while to view and comment on the proposed Neighbourhood Development Order and its supporting documents, visit the Public Access planning portal from the TDC website and enter application number 23/00991/NDO.
Those who are not online can write to William Fuller at Tendring District Council, Town Hall, Station Road, Clacton-on-Sea, Essex CO15 1SE, by 5pm on Monday, 30 October.
