People in Ardleigh and Elmstead are being urged to have their say over proposals for new Neighbourhood Plans next week – plans developed by people living there.

Electors in both villages will also be going to the polls on Thursday, 12 September, to vote in referendums on whether their respective parishes adopt the plans.

A Neighbourhood Plan is a way for communities to take a proactive approach to deciding the future of the places where they live.

The draft plans are available to view online as well as in paper form at the Clacton Town Hall reception and through the respective Parish Council Clerks.

Once adopted, it has the same legal status as the district wide Local Plan and will be used alongside it in deciding planning applications that fall within its area.

A by-election will also be taking place on the same day for the Walton ward on Frinton and Walton Town Council. There are three candidates standing in the by-election.

Ian Davidson, who is Counting Officer for the referendums and Returning Officer for the by-election, said: “I would like to urge voters in Ardleigh and Elmstead to cast their ballots in the referendums on 12 September and help shape the future development of their parishes.

“People in Walton can also have their say on who will represent them on Frinton and Walton Town Council – and I would urge them, also, to cast their votes.”

Information about the referendums and the by-election is available on Tendring District Council’s website at http://www.tendringdc.gov.uk/elections.

The deadline for registering to vote in these elections was on 27 August.

‍