Tendring District Council, Colchester City Council and Essex County Council are thrilled to announce that the Tendring Colchester Borders Garden Community Development Plan Document (DPD) has won the Best Plan category at the Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI) East of England Awards for Planning Excellence 2026.

The award is a hugely significant endorsement of the long-term vision, partnership working and technical excellence behind the DPD, which was prepared jointly by Tendring District Council, Colchester City Council and Essex County Council with the support of Hyas Associates to help guide the delivery of a sustainable new Garden Community on the border of Tendring and Colchester.

Adopted in 2025, the DPD sets out the planning framework for the Tendring Colchester Borders Garden Community, outlining how it will be designed, developed and delivered over time. DPD establishes a clear vision for place-making, infrastructure, movement and connections, economic activity, community facilities, green infrastructure and environmental quality, helping to ensure that growth is planned in a comprehensive, coordinated and locally accountable way.

The Best Plan category celebrates planning documents that demonstrate excellence in shaping high-quality places and providing a robust framework for sustainable development. Securing this award is a proud moment for everyone involved in the project and reflects the strength of the councils’ shared commitment to creating a new community that is well-connected, infrastructure-led and landscape-led, while supporting homes, jobs, services and lasting environmental enhancement.

Cllr Andy Baker – Cabinet Member for Housing and Planning at Tendring District Council, said: "“We are absolutely delighted that the Tendring Colchester Borders Garden Community Development Plan Document has won the Best Plan category at this year’s RTPI East of England Awards for Planning Excellence. This is a fantastic achievement and a real tribute to the ambition, care and collaboration that has gone into producing a plan that will help shape sustainable growth and high-quality placemaking for years to come.”

Cllr Paul Dundas – Leader of Colchester City Council, said: “Winning this award is a wonderful achievement and a strong endorsement of the extensive work undertaken by the councils and partners in preparing a bold, locally led plan for the Garden Community. We are incredibly proud that the DPD has been recognised in this way, and that its clear and ambitious framework for new homes, infrastructure, green spaces and community facilities has been celebrated at a regional level.”

The RTPI East of England Awards for Planning Excellence celebrate outstanding plans, projects and planning achievements from across the region. The award was announced at the East of England awards ceremony on 17 June 2026.