Residents invited to shape 22,000-homes plan
BBCPeople living in Colchester are being given a final chance to shape where 22,000 new homes should be built.
Colchester City Council must build at least 1,300 houses across the borough each year between 2026 and 2043, under government-set targets.
Among the major proposals in its draft local plan are 2,500 homes in Marks Tey, as well as large developments in West Mersea and Wivenhoe.
The council, run by a Conservative and Liberal Democrat coalition, said it would be consulting residents on its blueprints until 13 October.
A large chunk of the homes could be fulfilled by a 7,750-home development on the Colchester-Tendring border, for which plans were submitted in March.
Following the consultation, the council said it would submit its plan to the government for independent examination.
An inspector will then determine whether any changes are needed before it can be adopted.
Conservative Martin Parsons, chairman of the local plan committee, encouraged residents and businesses to share their feedback ahead of this.
Do you have a story suggestion for Essex? Contact us below.
Follow Essex news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X.
