Council leaders have agreed to launch a public consultation on proposals for shaping the future of Hartley Gardens — a significant new neighbourhood planned for the edge of Clacton.

The principle of developing Hartley Gardens was agreed by Tendring District Council when it adopted its Local Plan in 2022, and further detailed guidance about how the site should be developed is now being set out as part of a new Supplementary Planning Document (SPD).

The site, located west of Brook Retail Park and north of St Johns Road, is expected to deliver around 1,700 new homes, including affordable housing, along with land for jobs, a new school, childcare provision, green spaces, and community facilities.

It’s one of the most significant developments in the district’s Local Plan and will help meet housing needs for at least the next 20 years.

The guidance sets out a clear vision for how the site could grow, which has been shaped by early input from councillors, local residents and statutory bodies — with a strong focus on well-designed homes, strong transport links, and the infrastructure needed to support a thriving community.

The Council’s Cabinet agreed the draft guidance should now go out to public consultation, giving residents and stakeholders the chance to help shape the final version, at a meeting on Friday, 26 September.

Councillor Andy Baker, TDC’s Cabinet Member for Housing and Planning, said: “Hartley Gardens is one of the most significant upcoming developments in our Local Plan, and this draft Supplementary Planning Document marks a major milestone in bringing it to life.

“By setting out a clear and ambitious vision for high-quality homes, green spaces, and the infrastructure needed to support them, the document gives us a strong foundation to deliver a healthy, connected and sustainable new neighbourhood.

“As we look ahead to meeting much higher Government housing targets through the Local Plan review, Hartley Gardens will play a vital role in helping us rise to that challenge.

“This is about more than just building houses – it’s about creating opportunities, supporting local services, and ensuring that new development enhances the quality of life for both new and existing residents.”

The consultation will run for six weeks, from 6 October to 17 November, and will include two public drop-in events, as well as opportunities to take part online and offline.

As Hartley Gardens is already allocated in the Local Plan — following previous public consultation and independent examination by a Government Planning Inspector — the principle of development has already been agreed.

This consultation will focus on how the site is developed, including the layout, design, infrastructure, and delivery principles.

Once adopted, the SPD will help guide future planning applications and support the delivery of housing targets in the emerging Local Plan Review.

The first planning application for the site is expected in early 2026, with development anticipated to begin in 2029.

Further details about the consultation — including how to take part and where to view the draft guidance — will be published next month.