Future developments in Hatfield Peverel will need to adhere to new guidelines for the next 14 years.

The Hatfield Peverel Neighbourhood Plan, created by the parish council, was unanimously adopted by the Braintree District Council on Monday (September 23).

Councillor Gabrielle Spray, cabinet member for planning, said: "It’s fantastic news this updated neighbourhood plan for Hatfield Peverel is over the line, giving communities direct power to develop a shared vision and shape the development and growth of their local area."

The plan outlines how the community wants to shape the area's growth, including the location of new homes, infrastructure, and safeguarding of historic buildings and green spaces.

It will serve as a key document in determining future planning applications.

Councillor Mike Renow, chair of the Hatfield Peverel Neighbourhood Plan Committee, said: "It is heartening to see the work of the NDP team for Hatfield Peverel Parish Council coming to a successful conclusion in providing a more robust plan that will be used in determining planning applications within the parish through to 2038."

The plan follows a referendum on September 5, 2024, where 87.6 per cent of votes were in favour of the plan.

The plan can be viewed via braintree.gov.uk/hatfieldpeverelneighbourhoodplan.