Uttlesford Draft Local Plan: The authority has now published more than 5,000 comments from residents, businesses and local councils on its planning blueprint for the next two decades

More than 5,000 responses to Uttlesford District Council’s draft Local Plan have been published.

The comments were received during a six-week consultation period which asked people living and working within the district to give their views on the proposals and policies that will guide development and infrastructure provision in Uttlesford over the next two decades.

Over 5,000 comments were received from around 1,700 respondents including residents, businesses, county, town and parish councils, government agencies, utilities, developers and landowners.

Cllr John Evans, Portfolio Holder for Planning, said: “The consultation responses will be used to inform the next version of the Local Plan which will move us closer to taking back control of development.

“I would like to thank everyone for their thoughtful and considered feedback. Every comment is valued and will help to shape the plan and future of our district.”

The Local Plan will guide where homes and employment sites will go in the district, as well as the infrastructure that is needed to support it, over the next two decades.

The comments made in the consultation will be used to inform the next stage of the plan – known as the “Pre-submission Regulation 19 Local Plan” – which will be consulted on later this year.

The final plan will then be considered by the council and, if approved, submitted to the Planning Inspectorate in 2025 for examination by an independent planning inspector appointed by the Government. It is anticipated the plan will be formally adopted in 2026.

The comments can be viewed on the consultation portal via the council’s website: www.uttlesford.gov.uk/new-local-plan.