Tendring District Council (TDC) is reminding residents that there are now two weeks remaining to take part in the consultation on where thousands of new homes could be built in the coming years.

The six-week consultation, which closes at 5pm on Monday, 23 March, sets out the council’s Preferred Options for where new homes, employment land and mixed use development could be located up to 2042 and beyond.

The review of the Local Plan comes after the Government made changes to the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF).

The changes saw Tendring’s annual housing requirement almost doubling from 550 to 1,063 homes per year, which means the council must plan for a further 7,000–8,000 homes by 2042, in addition to the 10,700 already in the pipeline.

The council’s approach includes three proposed garden villages, a mixed-use development in Harwich, and proportionate growth across towns and villages, with an emphasis on ensuring new development is supported by the infrastructure needed to make communities sustainable.

Three of the council’s five drop in events have already taken place, with well attended sessions in Brightlingsea, Weeley and Frinton. Residents still have two opportunities to meet planning officers, explore the proposals in detail and ask questions face to face:

• Monday, 9 March – Venture Centre 2000, Bromley Road, Lawford, CO11 2JE (3–7pm)

• Wednesday, 11 March – 1912 Centre, Cow Lane, Harwich, CO12 3ER (3–7pm)

Councillor Andy Baker, TDC Cabinet Member for Housing and Planning, said it was vital that residents made their voices heard.

“We’ve had three very constructive sessions so far, and we’re grateful to everyone who has taken the time to come along and engage,” he said.

“The Government’s new mandatory housing targets mean we now have to plan for almost twice as many homes as before — and that level of growth will be felt in every community.

“This consultation is about making sure that, as we meet those requirements, we also secure the infrastructure needed to support sustainable, well designed development that respects the character and needs of our towns and villages.

“As we enter the final two weeks of the consultation, we’re encouraging anyone who hasn’t yet taken part to look at the proposals and share their views.”

The council is aiming to submit the plan to Government in late 2026, followed by examination by a Planning Inspector in summer 2027 and, subject to that process, adoption in winter 2027.

The consultation documents, interactive maps and online response form are available on the council’s website. Paper representations will also be accepted, either by writing to Clacton Town Hall, Station Road, Clacton, CO15 1SE, by emailing planning.policy@tendringdc.gov.uk, or completing a paper form (which are available at local libraries or from the council on request).

To take part, go to www.tendringdc.gov.uk/consultations/local-plan-review-preferred-options.

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