BRAINTREE District Council is launching its next round of engagement for the Local Plan Review.

Following the initial "Call For Sites" consultation that took place in April 2024, which councils are required to do as part of the Local Plan Review process, this phase will focus on encouraging communities to informally share any ideas or suggestions of what they would like to be considered in the plan looking forward to 2041.

The review of Braintree’s Local Plan will extend its timeframe from 2033 to 2041 looking at growth options post 2033 to meet evolving longer-term needs of communities and changing national planning guidance and best practice.

The Local Plan serves as the strategic framework that guides growth and development in the Braintree district, where businesses and homes will be located, and protection of the green environment and heritage.

The council’s current Local Plan is designed to run until 2033 but has to be reviewed and updated, if necessary, at least every five years.

Braintree District Council adopted its current Local Plan in 2021 and must therefore start a review in order to complete it by 2025, submit to the planning inspectorate for examination in 2025 and adoption in 2026.

 

Councillor Gabrielle Spray, Cabinet Member for Planning at Braintree District Council, said: “It’s important for us to ensure residents, businesses and interest groups are provided with opportunities to input throughout the Local Plan review process to help shape the district’s future and ensure the plan reflects local need and aspirations.

“It’s a significant challenge to get a Local Plan prepared for submission by the current June deadline next year but it’s important that the council keeps the plan up to date so that communities have certainty on where sustainable growth should happen, otherwise the council will have less control when determining planning applications.

“This is your opportunity to influence the future of your district. The Local Plan affects every resident so it’s really important - please do take part and share your views with us.”