The development of Neighbourhood Plans for two villages in Tendring are taking steps forward.

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 and submit them to Tendring District Council (TDC).

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.

A focused consultation is being held on three specific issues surrounding the draft Ardleigh Neighbourhood Plan.

An independent Examiner has suggested some significant changes following examination of the draft plan, and comment is invited on these.

In addition people can give their views on TDC’s decision on Habitats Regulation and Strategic Environmental Assessments, and also on how the draft Neighbourhood Plan conforms with the latest version of the National Planning Policy Framework which was published by government in December.

The consultation runs from Monday, 22 January until 5pm on Monday, 4 March. People can give their views online by visiting www.tendringdc.uk/consultations; alternatively comments can be submitted in writing to Planning Policy, Tendring District Council, Town Hall, Station Road, Clacton, CO15 1SE.

Comments submitted during the previous Ardleigh Neighbourhood Plan consultation do not need to be sent again, and still stand.

Meanwhile the independent examiner has called a public hearing to examine the proposed Elmstead Neighbourhood Plan, which also includes a Neighbourhood Development Order.

The hearing will take place at the village’s Community Centre, in School Road, starting at 10am on Thursday, 8 February.

It is open to the public, but only specific people may make representations at the examiner's discretion.

Andy Baker, TDC Cabinet Member for Housing and Planning, said this was an important opportunity for local residents to have their say and learn about the process.

“Neighbourhood Plans are a really useful tool for communities to shape future development of where they live,” Councillor Baker said.

“So if you live in Ardleigh please look at the new documents and tell the inspector your views via our consultation; and for Elmstead residents please see your chance to be part of the examination process.”

‍