A public hearing to review the development plan for a sustainable and vibrant new community on the Colchester and Tendring border has come to an end.

The Tendring Colchester Borders Garden Community (TCBGC) is a proposed new settlement, located between Colchester, Ardleigh, Wivenhoe, and Elmstead Market.

A hearing into the Development Plan Document (DPD), which outlines the vision and policies that will guide the development of the garden community, took place at the JobServe Community Stadium, in Colchester, between Tuesday, 7 May, and Thursday, 9 May.

The hearing, known as an Examination in Public (EiP), took place to assess if the document meets local and national planning guidelines.

The DPD covers various aspects, including land use, housing, infrastructure, and community facilities.

The project has already benefitted from extensive public engagement throughout the development process, including a public consultation exercise in May and June last year.

All comments received from residents and stakeholders were submitted to the Planning Inspectorate for consideration alongside the DPD.

Councillor Mark Stephenson, Leader of Tendring District Council, said: “These hearings signify a pivotal moment in our journey to establish a once-in-a-lifetime Garden Community.

“Our goal is to create a sustainable and vibrant space, equipped with essential facilities and infrastructure, designed for future generations to proudly call home.

“With Tendring District Council’s and Colchester City Council's proven track record of collaboration, the Development Plan Document (DPD) represents years of hard work and sets out the positive strategy to meet the evolving needs of our growing population over the next 30 to 40 years."

Councillor David King, Leader of Colchester City Council, said: “The hearings are a hugely helpful test of the plans for the proposed Garden Community. We seek to deliver an attractive place to live, with walkable, low traffic neighbourhoods and sense of community.

“It is by no means the conclusion of the planning process, but an important piece of the overall jigsaw that will lead us towards the realisation of this Garden Community.

“I am grateful to everyone who has already commented on and contributed to this DPD, which has already received extensive public consultation.

“We look forward to the Inspector’s decision in relation to the DPD in the coming months.”

Following the independent review by the Planning Inspectorate, the finalised DPD will guide future planning applications for the Garden Community.

For more information on the TCBGC project, please visit the project website: https://talk.tcbgardencommunity.co.uk/

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