Colchester City Council last night (9 June) voted to formally adopt the Development Plan Document (DPD) for the Tendring Colchester Borders Garden Community, paving the way for a major new settlement to take shape over the coming decades.

Following a rigorous process of public consultation, technical analysis, and independent examination, Full Council supported the recommendation to adopt the modified plan – already approved by the Tendring Colchester Borders Garden Community Joint Committee and Tendring District Council.

The adopted DPD outlines a framework for around 7,500 new homes, integrated transport links including a Rapid Transit System, green infrastructure including a new Salary Brook Country Park, a new A120-A133 link road, as well as employment and education opportunities to support a thriving mixed-use community.

Councillor David King, Leader of Colchester City Council, said: “Tonight’s decision is a historic step toward delivering a visionary new community that helps meet Colchester’s future housing needs while embracing sustainability, innovation, and inclusivity. It reflects years of careful planning, public engagement, and cross-council collaboration.

“By adopting this plan, we are not just building homes – we are laying the foundation for a well-connected, forward-thinking place where families can thrive, jobs can grow, and nature can be protected and enhanced. The policies we’ve approved ensure that development will be shaped by clear environmental, social and design standards, not left to chance.

“This is about planning smartly for our city’s future – providing a robust and balanced framework to manage growth responsibly, protect our local identity, and ensure the infrastructure comes first. It gives us control, clarity and confidence in shaping what comes next.”

Councillor Mark Stephenson, Leader of Tendring District Council, said: “The adoption of the Development Plan Document is a major step forward in realising our shared ambition to create a sustainable, well-connected, and vibrant Garden Community – one that future generations will be proud to call home.

“This document will guide future planning applications and ensure that the right infrastructure and essential services are delivered to support a thriving, inclusive community. We remain fully committed to working closely with our partners at Colchester City Council and Essex County Council to bring this vision to life.”

The plan includes legally required modifications from the Planning Inspector, including key protections for the University of Essex expansion zone, firm requirements on biodiversity net gain, and the delivery of sustainable infrastructure.

The DPD will now become part of the statutory development plan, providing a legally robust framework against which future planning applications for the Garden Community will be judged.

For more information, visit: www.tcbgardencommunity.co.uk