An independent Planning Inspector has backed development plans for a new settlement between Colchester and Tendring.
Only relatively small modifications have been recommended by the Inspector to the Development Plan Document (DPD) for the Tendring Colchester Borders Garden Community (TCBGC) - most of which had been proposed by the councils behind the plans, in response to the public hearings into the plan.
The DPD sets out a masterplan for the Garden Community, and will be used to assess planning applications when they are put forward by developers.
Following an examination in public last May (2024) and subsequent consultation on proposed modifications, the Planning Inspector has now written to the authorities behind the DPD – Colchester City, Tendring District and Essex County councils – to outline minor changes required to make the document legally sound.
A positive meeting was also held recently between local MPs, TCBGC officers and the Minister for Housing Matthew Pennycook MP on ways forward for further funding for the A1331 link road which will ultimately connect TCBGC to the A133 and the A120.
Work on Phase 1 of the road, linking to the A133, has made significant progress in recent months, including the new A133 roundabout currently being constructed.
Additionally, the Rapid Transit System (RTS) through Colchester is making substantial progress. Once completed and operational, the RTS will provide transformational public transport benefits, connecting the new Garden Community with the city centre, the university, and the mainline railway station.
Phase 1 of the A1331 and the RTS infrastructure are due to be finalised by Spring 2026, ahead of new housing at the Garden Community being built, and at the recent meeting Mr Pennycook and officials from the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government agreed to look at additional funding options for Phase 2.
Cllr David King, Leader of Colchester City Council, said: “This Garden Community offers a unique opportunity to create a thriving new community on the Colchester and Tendring border. Having the Development Plan Document assessed as sound by an independent Planning Inspector is an important milestone, and I look forward to moving the DPD for adoption by the Joint Committee and formal adoption by the council soon."
Cllr Mark Stephenson, Leader of Tendring District Council, added: “Our goal is to create a sustainable and vibrant space, equipped with essential facilities and infrastructure, designed for future generations to proudly call ‘home’. Having a Development Plan Document will protect that goal and be a key measure of success for any planning application, so I welcome this feedback from the Planning Inspector which will be considered as the DPD moves through the next stages of decision making.”
Cllr Lee Scott, Essex County Council Cabinet Member for Housing, Planning and Regeneration, said: “The Garden Community is an excellent opportunity to support much-needed new housing in the area, but it is essential that vital infrastructure like the link road is developed well – something the Development Plan Document, now assessed and essentially backed by the Planning Inspectorate, makes clear. We will continue to lobby Government Ministers and officials for the funding of the vital new A1331 road and secure positive benefits for new and existing communities.”
Only relatively small modifications have been recommended by the Inspector to the Development Plan Document (DPD) for the Tendring Colchester Borders Garden Community (TCBGC) - most of which had been proposed by the councils behind the plans, in response to the public hearings into the plan.
The DPD sets out a masterplan for the Garden Community, and will be used to assess planning applications when they are put forward by developers.
Following an examination in public last May (2024) and subsequent consultation on proposed modifications, the Planning Inspector has now written to the authorities behind the DPD – Colchester City, Tendring District and Essex County councils – to outline minor changes required to make the document legally sound.
A positive meeting was also held recently between local MPs, TCBGC officers and the Minister for Housing Matthew Pennycook MP on ways forward for further funding for the A1331 link road which will ultimately connect TCBGC to the A133 and the A120.
Work on Phase 1 of the road, linking to the A133, has made significant progress in recent months, including the new A133 roundabout currently being constructed.
Additionally, the Rapid Transit System (RTS) through Colchester is making substantial progress. Once completed and operational, the RTS will provide transformational public transport benefits, connecting the new Garden Community with the city centre, the university, and the mainline railway station.
Phase 1 of the A1331 and the RTS infrastructure are due to be finalised by Spring 2026, ahead of new housing at the Garden Community being built, and at the recent meeting Mr Pennycook and officials from the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government agreed to look at additional funding options for Phase 2.
Cllr David King, Leader of Colchester City Council, said: “This Garden Community offers a unique opportunity to create a thriving new community on the Colchester and Tendring border. Having the Development Plan Document assessed as sound by an independent Planning Inspector is an important milestone, and I look forward to moving the DPD for adoption by the Joint Committee and formal adoption by the council soon."
Cllr Mark Stephenson, Leader of Tendring District Council, added: “Our goal is to create a sustainable and vibrant space, equipped with essential facilities and infrastructure, designed for future generations to proudly call ‘home’. Having a Development Plan Document will protect that goal and be a key measure of success for any planning application, so I welcome this feedback from the Planning Inspector which will be considered as the DPD moves through the next stages of decision making.”
Cllr Lee Scott, Essex County Council Cabinet Member for Housing, Planning and Regeneration, said: “The Garden Community is an excellent opportunity to support much-needed new housing in the area, but it is essential that vital infrastructure like the link road is developed well – something the Development Plan Document, now assessed and essentially backed by the Planning Inspectorate, makes clear. We will continue to lobby Government Ministers and officials for the funding of the vital new A1331 road and secure positive benefits for new and existing communities.”
Page last reviewed: 4 April 2025