There is a fresh new way to follow one of Essex’s most ambitious place-making projects, as Colchester City Council, Tendring District Council and Essex County Council celebrate the launch of the new Tendring Colchester Borders Garden Community (TCBGC) website.
The new site brings the story of the Garden Community together in one easy-to-use place. Residents, businesses and community groups can explore the vision, catch up on progress, find key documents and discover how to stay involved as plans move forward.
Visit the new website at www.tcbgardencommunity.co.uk
The three councils will continue working together so that homes, transport, green space and community facilities are planned in a coordinated way.
Cllr Paul Dundas, leader of Colchester City Council, said: “This website gives everyone a simple, welcoming way to see how the Garden Community is taking shape. There is a lot happening, and we want local people to be able to follow the story, find the facts and stay connected.”
Cllr Mark Stephenson, leader of Tending District Council, said: “Launching the new site is a moment to celebrate how far the project has come — and to make the next steps easier to follow. We hope people will take a look around, keep checking back and continue to be part of the conversation.”
Cllr Peter Harris, leader of Essex County Council, said: “A successful new community needs the right infrastructure from the outset. The website will help people see the connections between transport, education, green space and the places where future residents will live, work and spend time.”
From plan to delivery
The project has reached an important stage. The Development Plan Document (DPD) for Tendring Colchester Borders Garden Community was adopted in 2025 and went on to win the Best Plan category at the RTPI East of England Awards for Planning Excellence 2026. It provides the locally led planning framework for a well-connected, infrastructure and landscape-led new community in north Essex.
A hybrid planning application submitted by master developer Latimer by Clarion Housing was validated by Tendring District Council and Colchester City Council in spring 2026. The application proposes 7,750 homes across three mixed-use neighbourhoods, including 30% affordable housing, employment space, schools and community facilities, active-travel connections and 51% open space, including a new Salary Brook Country Park.
The statutory consultation closed on 22 May 2026, and the application is now being considered by the two local planning authorities. It will be assessed against the adopted Local Plans, including the DPD. A decision is expected in summer 2027 and will be made by the Tendring Colchester Borders Garden Community Joint Committee. Until then, the proposals remain subject to the planning process and no decision has been made. Full details of the application can be viewed on the Tendring District Council Public Access System using application number 26/00424/TCBGC.
Major enabling infrastructure is also progressing, including Colchester Rapid Transit System (RTS) which links key destinations in the city to the Garden Community and Phase 1 of the A1331 Link Road which was opened earlier this year and when completed will provide access onto the A120.
Whether you want the quick overview or the detail behind the plans, the new website is the place to start. Please visit www.tcbgardencommunity.co.uk and take a look.