Colchester City Council has confirmed a delay to the public consultation on its Preferred Options draft Local Plan, following the Local Plan Committee’s decision on Wednesday not to proceed with the consultation on the draft at this stage.
The committee remained of the view that further work is needed before the draft can be published for consultation, including updated evidence on infrastructure, transport capacity and the overall viability of the plan. As a result, the next stage of consultation is now expected to take place at the end of this year or early next year.
While the council had aimed to bring the consultation forward to progress the plan expediently and ensure the evidence base remained current, the committee decided that additional clarity and supporting studies were necessary before proceeding.
This delay reflects the significance and complexity of the issues involved and reinforces the council’s commitment to ensuring that Colchester’s future growth is underpinned by robust evidence and a well-supported strategy. The council remains committed to a plan-led approach, with local communities playing a central role in shaping the vision through a transparent and inclusive consultation process once the revised draft is ready.
Cllr Tim Young, Chair of the Local Plan Committee, said: “It is disappointing that the Committee took the decision they did because we know many residents are eager to participate in the consultation. Whilst it’s vital that we base our growth plans on the most robust and up-to-date evidence, we also need to protect ourselves from speculative development and the best way to do this to have an up-to-date Local Plan. This delay will allow us to address the Committee’s concerns and ensure the plan is sound, sustainable, and deliverable.”
The council reaffirmed its commitment to public engagement and a plan-led approach to development but acknowledged the complex challenges in meeting housing targets while protecting the environment and delivering necessary infrastructure.
The timeline is set out in the Local Development Scheme March 2025 and timing for the future consideration of the draft plan by the Committee will be shared later this year, with full details on how residents can take part once the consultation period is confirmed.
Page last reviewed: 9 May 2025