Residents and businesses are invited to view the newly submitted planning application for the Tendring Colchester Borders Garden Community (TCBGC), which has now been published ahead of public consultation in mid-April.
The hybrid planning application, submitted by the Master Developer, Latimer by Clarion Housing, has now been validated by both Tendring District Council and Colchester City Council. The proposals outline the creation of three mixed-use neighbourhoods on the Colchester–Tendring border, forming a comprehensively planned new garden community.
A hybrid application includes both outline and detailed elements, enabling some phases of development to progress while others continue through the design process. This approach can enable early delivery of key parts of the site.
The submission of the application follows the recent announcement that Homes England will be investing a further £65m of funding into the project in order to complete the new A1331 Link Road connection onto the A120.
The TCBGC application includes proposals for:
- 7,750 new homes across three neighbourhoods
- 30% affordable housing
- Employment land to support local jobs
- 51% open space, including a new Salary Brook Country Park and safeguarded green corridors
- A new secondary school, new primary schools, community facilities and health spaces
- Active travel routes and provision for the Rapid Transit System (RTS)
Both councils are encouraging the community to take part in the four-week consultation period, which is expected to start mid-April. Once the consultation goes live, all comments will be collected by Tendring District Council on behalf of both authorities.
The application will be assessed against the adopted Local Plans, including the TCBGC Development Plan Document (DPD) adopted last summer. The DPD sets out the detailed planning requirements for the Garden Community around Infrastructure, Housing, Sustainability, Landscape and Transport.
A decision is expected in Summer 2027 and will be made by the TCBGC Joint Committee.
Amy Lester, Garden Community Planning Manager, said:
“We are pleased to confirm that the TCBGC planning application has been validated and is now available to view on the Tendring District Council public access system.
Public input is vital in ensuring that the Garden Community reflects local needs, protects our environment, and supports the long-term wellbeing of the area.
This consultation is a chance for everyone to share their ideas, concerns, and hopes for the future of the Garden Community. We encourage all residents to get involved and help shape a place we can all be proud of.”
The planning application documents are available to view ahead of consultation starting at idox.tendringdc.gov.uk/online-applications using 26/00424/TCBGC.
Image credit: Haworth Tompkins