Date issued: 8 August 2018
Colchester Borough Council’s leader and deputy leader met with local community groups yesterday (Tuesday 7 August) to listen to their concerns on the borough’s Local Plan.
Leader Cllr Mark Cory and Deputy Leader Cllr Tim Young met representatives of key community groups at a special Leader’s Listening event at the Town Hall. It follows a promise made by Cllr Cory on his election as council leader to meet with groups concerned about the council’s proposed Local Plan.
The borough’s Local Plan is the council’s strategy for the growth of the district to 2033 and beyond, setting out what development will take place and where. It outlines a vision for the area, establishing the long term aims and aspirations for the borough, and will include policies and allocations that will help to deliver them.
Yesterday’s event follows comments made recently by the Planning Inspector into the joint part of the plans on the North Essex Garden Communities submitted jointly by Colchester, Tendring and Braintree councils.
Among the groups invited to the Listening Leader initiative were those who attended the Planning Inspectorate hearings earlier in the year, including the Campaign Against Urban Sprawl in Essex (CAUSE) and Hands Off Wivenhoe.
Cllr Cory said: “I made it quite clear when becoming leader that I wanted to sit down and listen to community groups about their concerns with the Local Plan. Coming from Wivenhoe, I have my own concerns and understand that existing communities must have a voice in the plan process.
“The Local Plan is a vital document in the future growth and development of this borough and it is important we get it right. We have seen the comments made by the Planning Inspector regarding, the plans and some of these concerns have been echoed and raised by groups across the borough.
“We may not agree on everything, but it is important that we listen to each other and work together going forward, to ensure a better Colchester. There was an honest and frank sharing of views and I want to thank everyone who took part.
“I have promised to continue to involve key community groups going forward. The Council must listen, and existing communities must be able to help shape new developments. I am showing that, under my leadership, we will listen!”
Page last reviewed: 8 August 2018