Villagers in Ardleigh and Elmstead have voted to adopt new Neighbourhood Plans following referendums.

The separate Neighbourhood Plans for the two villages have been developed by people living in the parishes.

The plans are a way for communities to take a proactive approach to deciding the future of the places where they live.

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.

Voters in Ardleigh voted 86.5% in favour of adopting its plan, while 13.5% voted against adopting it. The turnout was 13%.

Voters in Elmstead voted 92.6% in favour of adopting the Neighbourhood Plan, while 7.4% voted against the plan. The turnout was 21.4%.

Ian Davidson, who was Counting Officer for the referendums, said: “By taking part in these referendums, voters in Ardleigh and Elmstead have helped to shape the future development of where they live.”

The full referendum results can be found on the TDC website at www.tendringdc.gov.uk/departments/results-of-elections.

‍