RESIDENTS are urged to have their say on modified plans to build 9,000 new homes in north Essex.

Colchester, Braintree and Tendring councils have launched a joint consultation on the latest proposals for their garden communities scheme.

The original plan to build three new settlements in north Essex looks set to be scrapped after planning inspector Roger Clews said two of the three garden communities were “undeliverable”.

He instead suggested the councils concentrate on building the 9,000 home development on the Tendring/ Colchester border and abandon plans to build 24,000 homes at Marks Tey, and a further 10,000 to the west of Braintree.

Alternatively, the councils can rip up the garden communities scheme and start again from scratch.

All three authorities have agreed to pursue the inspector’s recommendation to scrap two of the three garden communities and they will now seek views from the public before moving the housing plan forward.

A six-week consultation on the modifications runs until October 9.

Colchester Council’s deputy leader Julie Young said: “This consultation is just about comments on the inspector’s proposed modifications, or suggested amendments to those to improve the overall Local Plan, with responses going straight to the planning inspectorate.”

Among the other modifications being suggested are steps to mitigate the impact the garden community will have on wildlife; managing potential flood risks and allocating land to accommodate the expansion of the University of Essex.

Council bosses also want planning consent and funding approved for the A120-133 link road and rapid transit system before planning approval is granted for any development forming part of the garden community.

Residents are asked to submit their views online, but documents relating to the modifications are also available in libraries in Braintree, Colchester and Clacton.

To view the consultation and to make comments, visit braintree.gov.uk/NEAMMS1.

For more information, contact 01376 552525.