Time is running out for the public to have their say on long-term plans for growth in Jaywick Sands.

A consultation is still live on Tendring District Council’s (TDC) draft Jaywick Sands Place Plan, and closes at 5pm on Monday, 8 January.

The Place Plan is a long-term strategy for Jaywick Sands which includes a mixture of suggested ‘quick win’ actions to improve the area, as well as a wider vision spanning 20 years.

This is the final version of the document. The initial version was consulted on in Autumn 2022; comments from which have been fed into this final draft now being consulted upon.

People can have their say by completing an online survey available at www.tendringdc.gov.uk/jaywicksandsconsultations. The consultation has been running since late November, and a number of people have already made their voice heard online or through a series of public engagement events held in the area earlier in the consultation period.

Gary Guiver, TDC Director of Planning, said to be effective the plan needed to reflect the views of the community.

“Our overall aim is to work with the community in Jaywick Sands to improve the area for the good of all, so the views of local residents and businesses are vital,” Mr Guiver said.

“We want to maximise the potential of Jaywick Sands, and believe this Place Plan is the way to do it. It has already been shaped by a previous consultation, and we are really keen to hear your views on this final draft.”

Once the consultation closes on 8 January the responses will be considered before a final Place Plan is adopted by TDC.

Suggested actions included in the draft Place Plan are some ‘quick wins’, such as making Brooklands one-way to traffic, improvements to parks and gardens, better beach access, and improved footpaths bus stops and alleys.

Longer-term strategic aims include securing funding for improved flood defences which both protect the community without blocking access and sight of the beach – one of Jaywick Sands biggest assets.

The cost of completing all of the actions is estimated at £120million, over two-decades, and the plan sets out where this will require external funding. Of this total, £84million (70%) is the estimated price tag of the preferred flood defence option.