People invited to have their say on Colchester's Local Plan again during virtual hearings
A planning inspector will go through the council's Local Plan next month
People who have previously had their say on Colchester Borough Council's Local Plan will be able to speak during special hearings next month.
A Government appointed planning inspector will go through the council's Local Plan during virtual hearings between Tuesday 20 and Friday 30 April.
The plan sets out the strategy for Colchester's growth to 2033 and beyond, setting out what development will take place and where.
The sessions will focus on the part of the Local Plan (Section Two) which covers policies and maps for considering planning applications, and site allocations for new development for housing, employment, and infrastructure.
People will be invited to register for the sessions, giving them the opportunity to either speak at the hearings or submit more written information to the inspectors.
The hearings will be broadcast on YouTube.
It 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 - such as country parks, open spaces, or any other facilities.
Councillor Julie Young, deputy leader of 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 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.
There is more information about Colchester's Local Plan here.