The New Local Plan is our blueprint for how Colchester will grow over the next 15 years. It sets out where new homes, jobs and community facilities could go, how we protect green spaces and heritage, and how we plan for transport and climate-friendly development. It guides decisions so growth is sustainable and benefits local people.
What is this consultation aiming to achieve?
We’re asking residents, businesses, parish councils and community groups to review the draft proposals and tell us what they think. Feedback will help shape the final plan – what gets built, where it goes, and the standards new development must meet. Every response matters. The consultation runs 26 November to 14 January.
Short explainer
Regulation 18 Consultation is Live
• Purpose: Gather views on the emerging Preferred Options Local Plan.
• Deadline for responses: 14th January 2026
Why It Matters
• Influences future development, housing, and infrastructure in your area.
• Opportunity for local voices to shape policy.
How Residents Can Get Involved
• Review the Preferred Options document online.
• Town Hall events • Submit comments – preferred method via the JDi consultation portal.
What Feedback Should Cover
• Support or objections to proposed policies and sites.
• Suggestions for alternative sites or policy wording.
• Evidence-based comments (e.g. local data, infrastructure needs).
How Does This Fit With Our Neighbourhood Plan?
The major site policies of the Local Plan meet the needs of extending our Neighbourhood Plan to complete the proposed link road between Colchester Road and Kelvedon Road and provides a country park that acts as a dividing line between the parishes of Tiptree and Messing and Inworth.
The Colchester Local Plan acts as a framework for local development. Following the current Preferred Options consultation the plan will amended for further consultation. Once approved and adopted, developers of the indicated sites will still be obliged to submit planning applications where the full details of local needs will be built into the decision following the guidance of the new Local Plan and our Neighbourhood Plan.
Please see our neighbourhood plan.
https://www.tiptreeparishcouncil.gov.uk/neighbourhood-plan-referendum/
Where can I Find the Colchester Local Plan?
- New Local Plan web page (main hub).
https://www.colchester.gov.uk/NewLocalPlan
This page includes full details and links to the virtual exhibition, consultation and supporting evidence base documents.
- Virtual exhibition (interactive) Link to the virtual exhibition (includes video). https://convirt3d.viewin360.co/share/collection/7bJbS?logo=bWVkaWEvODk4OTkvNjdhYi05M2ZkLTgxMzQtNDIyOS5qcGc=&info=0&logosize=99&fs=1&vr=0&gyro=0&thumbs=-1&margin=22&keys=0
- Single PDF document (contains all exhibition boards) Download the PDF A colourful 10-page PDF document containing details of the New Local Plan. https://cbccrmdata.blob.core.windows.net/noteattachment/CBC-null-LPE-Local%20Plan%20CCC%20virtual%20exhibition%20amends%2022Nov25%20(1).pdf
- YouTube explainer video View the video [Youtube link] Ideal for sharing on social media or embedding on parish websites.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a8j_SxMGCgs
- Consultation Portal (direct link) This is the preferred method to submit comments on the emerging Preferred Options Local Plan. Link to the Consultation Portal.
https://colchester.oc2.uk/document/81