COLCHESTER councillors came together to support a Plan B ready for if the borough’s Local Plan is rejected.

The joint local plans for Colchester, Tendring and Braintree councils have faced opposition due to the proposed inclusion of garden communities.

Ahead of Colchester Council’s meeting, Conservative councillor Lewis Barber had proposed a motion to make sure planning officers came up with an alternative plan immediately.

A cross-party vote in favour of a Plan B was recorded with an amendment to Mr Barber’s motion by council leader Mark Cory.

The amended motion resolves to support the work towards Plan A, but to have ready a Plan B within one month of the planning inspector’s public hearing, believed to be in December.

Without a Local Plan in place, developers have free rein to put in speculative planning applications which are hard to refuse.

Mr Cory said: “I welcome the motion from Councillor Barber and have added to it with my amendment.

“The council is working on contingency plans but this makes it clear to the everyone we are planning for all scenarios.

“The inspector has given us wise words in the past and it would be sensible to acknowledge those with a Plan B process that ensures we are ready when his final decision comes.

“I welcome the cross-party agreement on this in the chamber.”

The amended motion says planning officers should continue to offer every support to the planning inspector in his review of the Local Plan.

Instead of immediate work on a Plan B, officers would submit an alternative within one month of the public hearing.

Mr Barber said: “Colchester Conservatives have long argued for an alternative Plan B to be prepared to the high risk new town plans backed by the council administration.

“The support of our motion is, finally, acceptance by the administration of the risks of their new town plans. I hope it is not too late.

“This is not just about housing but ensuring we have a long term vision on jobs, infrastructure, services and all the other areas important for the borough if, or when, the new towns are found unsound at independent examination.”