Residents will be asked to have their say over a series of changes required for a sustainable and vibrant new community planned for the Colchester and Tendring border.
The proposed new 7,500-home settlement is set to be located between Colchester, Ardleigh, Wivenhoe, and Elmstead Market, with building anticipated on site in early 2027 once plans are approved.
A public hearing to review the Development Plan Document (DPD) for the Tendring Colchester Borders Garden Community (TCBGC) took place in May, to assess if it meets local and national planning guidelines.
The DPD covers various aspects, including land use, housing, infrastructure, and community facilities.
Tendring District Council and Colchester City Council’s joint TCBGC Committee at Colchester Rugby Club was yesterday (Thursday, 5 September) advised of the modifications that the Planning Inspector requires to the DPD and of the need to publish the proposed changes for consultation.
Councillor Mark Stephenson, Leader of Tendring District Council, said: “We are pleased to be working with Colchester City Council and Essex County Council to establish a sustainable and vibrant garden community on the Colchester and Tendring border.
“It is being designed alongside essential facilities and infrastructure to ensure it is a place that generations of families will be proud to call home.
“The modifications issued by the Planning Inspector do not vary significantly from the suggested modifications that were discussed at the hearings.
“The project has already benefitted from extensive public engagement throughout the development process, but we’re still keen to hear residents’ views on the proposed changes.”
Cllr David King, Leader of Colchester City Council, added: "We are committed to delivering high-quality homes that meet the needs of our residents. The Tendring Colchester Borders Garden Community offers a unique opportunity to create a sustainable and thriving new community on the borders of our two authorities.
“We believe that this development has the potential to provide much-needed housing, jobs, and amenities for our residents. It is essential that we ensure that the plans for the development are robust and address the concerns of all stakeholders.
“We welcome the inspector's feedback and believe the proposed modifications will further strengthen the plans for the development. We look forward to hearing residents' views on the proposals during the upcoming consultation.”
The councils will publish the modifications alongside an updated Sustainability Appraisal (SA), and an updated Habitats Regulations Assessment (HRA) to take account of the changes, following which a six-week consultation will take place in September/October.
Following the conclusion of the consultation, the inspector will consider the SA, HRA and all representations made in response to the modifications.
He will then send a report to the councils recommending whether or not the DPD is legally compliant and whether the councils can proceed to formally adopt the plan.
For more information on the TCBGC project, please visit the project website: https://talk.tcbgardencommunity.co.uk/
