Tendring’s Local Plan has reached its final formal consultation before independent examination, with proposals to meet a minimum requirement of 18,173 homes between 2026 and 2043.
The Regulation 19 consultation opened on Monday 7th September 2026. Representations must reach the council by 5pm on Monday 19th October 2026.
There is an important warning for anyone who commented earlier: Tendring says you must respond again at this stage for your representation to be considered by the examining Inspector.
This is Regulation 19, not another options exercise
The document being published is the Tendring District Local Plan Review 2026–2043 and Beyond: Submission Version. It is the plan the council proposes to take forward for examination, rather than a menu of early options.
Tendring is using the publication stage under the saved 2012 Local Planning Regulations. Regulation 19 concerns publication of the proposed submission documents; Regulation 20 provides for representations.
As explained in our Local Plan guide, including Regulation 19 and examination, the older and newer plan-making systems are running alongside one another. The same regulation number in the new system should not be confused with this publication consultation.
The focus is whether the proposed plan is legally compliant and sound. Tendring’s consultation material identifies the four soundness tests: positively prepared, justified, effective and consistent with national policy.
In practical terms, identify the policy or site you are commenting on, explain the problem and provide evidence. Where a change is needed, say what should change and why it would make the plan sound or legally compliant.
What the Tendring Local Plan housing figures mean
Strategic Policy LP1 sets out a minimum net housing increase of 18,173 dwellings from 1st April 2026 to 31st March 2043. That is 1,069 homes a year over 17 years.
Do not confuse that requirement with the supply figure. The plan identifies capacity for 18,334 homes within the plan period, a surplus of 161 above the minimum requirement.
Nor does the headline mean 18,173 newly allocated plots. The strategy draws on existing permissions and commitments, earlier allocations, small-site provision and proposed additional growth locations.
Policy LP1 proposes using the 1,069 annual requirement as the basis for assessing five-year housing land supply, subject to adjustments for any undersupply since 2026.
Harwich and new garden villages feature in the strategy
The emerging spatial strategy includes major additional growth around Harwich, alongside garden villages at Hare Green, Horsley Cross and Weeley.
It also carries forward major development around Clacton and the Tendring Colchester Borders Garden Community, with further proportionate growth around other towns and villages, including locations with railway stations.
The larger garden-village proposals involve longer-term development extending beyond 2043. Their eventual overall scale must not be confused with the homes expected to be delivered within this Local Plan period.
For residents and landowners, the important exercise is to check the relevant policy, mapped boundary, infrastructure requirements and delivery assumptions, rather than relying on a district-wide total.
Already commented? Submit a representation again
Tendring’s warning is explicit. Its Regulation 19 representation form says earlier comments helped prepare the plan and remain part of the consultation evidence base. However, anyone wanting their views considered as representations at examination must resubmit during this consultation.
That does not mean the earlier consultation never happened or that its evidence disappears. It means you should not assume that your earlier objection or support will automatically become a duly made representation at this publication stage.
Our advice is to revisit the actual Submission Version before responding. Policies, boundaries or supporting evidence may have changed since the earlier consultation.
The council’s form also warns against assuming there will be another opportunity to add evidence later. Put the substance of your case and any suggested modification into this response.
How to respond before 19th October
Representations can be made through the council’s consultation portal. Downloadable and paper forms are also available, with documents to inspect at district libraries and Clacton Town Hall.
Completed forms can be emailed to [email protected] or posted to Planning Policy, Tendring District Council, Town Hall, Station Road, Clacton-on-Sea, CO15 1SE.
The deadline is for receipt by 5pm on 19th October 2026, not simply posting a response that day. The council says late representations may not be accepted.
The plan is not adopted, and allocations are not permissions
Independent examination still lies ahead. The Inspector will assess legal compliance and soundness, and changes may be needed before the plan can proceed to adoption.
Publication does not make the Submission Version the adopted development plan. Its proposals are emerging policy, and a site allocation is not a grant of planning permission.
Calling this the final consultation before examination also does not rule out later consultation on proposed main modifications. The immediate point is simpler: this is the formal opportunity to put your case on the published plan before it is submitted.
Sources: Tendring’s linked consultation portal, Submission Version chapters 3 and 5, and representation form; the council’s Local Plan Review page; and Regulation 19 of the 2012 Regulations, which continues to apply to qualifying legacy plans under the transitional arrangements.
0 Comments