Guidance on the Use of Materials and Surface Finishes for New Developments

Tendring District Council seeks to safeguard and enhance the area's natural and built environment through its planning policies. Traditional buildings and their materials contribute significantly to local identity, with over 1,000 Listed Buildings and 20 designated Conservation Areas forming a vital part of the district’s heritage.

Outside these areas, the use of modern, industrialised materials has often diluted local character. This guidance encourages the use of traditional materials or high-quality modern equivalents that reflect the district’s architectural vernacular and landscape context.

Planning Policy and Design Guidance

The use of appropriate materials is a material consideration in planning decisions. The following documents provide the relevant policy framework and guidance:

Essex Design Guide (2024)

Comprehensive guidance on sustainable, context-sensitive design across Essex, including materials, finishes, and architectural detailing.

Tenring District Local Plan 2013-2033 and Beyond

Adopted in two parts (2021 and 2022), our Local Plan sets out strategic and local policies, including those on design, heritage, and landscape character.

Conservation Area Character Appraisals (2023-2025)

Updated appraisals for 18 of the district’s 20 Conservation Areas, now material considerations in planning decisions.

Tendring Landscape Character Assessment - Volume 2

Technical guidance on built development across landscape character areas, including siting, materials, and sensitivity zones.

Traditional Materials in Tendring

Appropriate Use in New Development

The Council encourages the use of materials that reflect Tendring’s traditional palette. Acceptable modern equivalents should be:

• Made from natural materials
• Visually and texturally compatible with local vernacular
• Durable and of high quality

Exceptions

• Extensions to buildings constructed in non-traditional materials
• Infill schemes lacking strong local identity
• Contemporary architecture where traditional materials are unsuitable

Conservation Areas

In Conservation Areas, materials must be drawn from the traditional local range. Non-traditional materials will only be considered in exceptional circumstances. Please refer to the relevant Conservation Area Character Appraisals (2023–2025) for area specific character reference.