Inspectors begin examination of second part of Colchester's Local Plan
It looks at where homes will be built
Examination of the second part of Colchester's Local Plan begins today.
Inspectors will discuss it virtually due to the pandemic.
A Government appointed Planning Inspector will go through the council's Local Plan - which sets out the strategy for the growth of the borough to 2033 and beyond, setting out what development will take place and where - during virtual hearings between Tuesday 20 and Friday 30 April.
The sessions will focus on the part of the Local Plan (Section Two) covering policies and maps for considering planning applications, and site allocations for new development for housing, employment, and infrastructure across the borough.
People who have previously submitted representations regarding the plan will be given the opportunity to speak at the hearings, or submit further written information to the inspectors, with letters and emails being sent out over the next few days inviting them to register for the sessions.
The hearings will also be broadcast on YouTube for others to listen in to.
This forms part of the official process towards the adoption of a local plan. Once the plan has been approved by the inspector, the plan can be adopted. Allocations, such as Middlewick, will then develop a masterplan looking at what is needed to support any new communities and existing residents - including country parks, open spaces, or any other facilities.
A spokesperson for the Council, said:
"Colchester is fantastic place to live and work, with a vibrant culture, unique history and a growing economy.
"We need to ensure the Local Plan provides the robust framework needed for our borough to continue to thrive as a place of energy and opportunity. This will ensure we can meet the needs of the local community and businesses with the jobs, housing, infrastructure and natural environment we all wish to see in the decades to come.
"We know that this process brings up emotive issues, but these hearings will provide another opportunity for people to have their say and to highlight the future benefits the adoption of this plan will bring."
The process being followed for this section of our Local Plan, known as Section Two, mirrors the process undertaken over the last few years for the joint element of the Plan with Braintree and Tendring councils, known as Section One, regarding the Garden Communities proposals.
Last December a Planning Inspector ruled that Section One of the Local Plan, which includes proposals for the Tendring Colchester Borders Garden Community, was legally compliant and has now been adopted.
Find out more about Colchester's Local Plan here.