Colchester City Council Regulation 18 Consultation

Proposed new housing for West Mersea - Preferred Options Local Plan 2025 - 300 houses

CLOSING DATE CONFIRMED FOR RESPONSE AS 14TH JANUARY 2026
You are invited to see information on the Colchester City Council website, which includes details on how to respond: click here

A Local Plan leaflet will be delivered to all homes in West Mersea during early December. The leaflet can be viewed by clicking on the links: click here & click here

1. West Mersea Town Council statement to the Local Plan Committee of 10th November 2025: click here
To view the video/audio of the Colchester City Council Local Plan Committee meeting of 10th November 2025: click here

2. West Mersea Town Council representations to Colchester City Council regarding the Environment.
Further letter sent to Colchester City Council on 05/09/25: click here to read the letter. 
Further letter sent to Colchester City Council on 06/06/25: click here to read the letter. 

West Mersea Town Council strongly objects to the proposed Local Plan allocation of an additional 300 houses on West Mersea, in addition to the 200 already approved. To read the full letter sent to Colchester City Council and others on 07/04/25: click here

3. Statement by Colchester City Council after agreeing to public consultation on 10th November 2025 (Schedule 17): click here

4. Stages in a Local Plan - provided by Colchester City Council.

Local Plan Process
A Local Plan must be prepared in accordance with national policy, guidance, and regulations. The plan making process can be summarised as:

Stage 1 - Evidence Gathering
Reviewing and developing a range of evidence base documents to inform the Plan. These may be completed by the Council or Consultants appointed, depending upon the subject matter.

Stage 2 - Issues and Options
Identifying and understanding the main issues to be addressed in the Local Plan and considering the different approaches, including a public consultation.

Stage 3 - Preferred Options
Having considered the various options and responses from the consultation, a revised Plan is produced and subject to public consultation. This is known as the Regulation 18 Consultation. CURRENT STAGE 

Stage 4 - Publication Draft
Having considered the latest round of public consultation responses and any further updates to the evidence base, a final draft version of the Local Plan which the Council wishes to submit is prepared and published for consultation. This is known as the Regulation 18 Consultation.

Stage 5 - Submission
Following the statutory period of consultation, the Publication Draft Local Plan, evidence base and all representations are submitted to the Secretary of State.

Stage 6 - Examination
The Government will appoint an independent Planning Inspector to carry out an Examination of the Local Plan. This will consider if the Plan has correctly followed the legal process and meets national policy and will include a Public Examination. It will consider the representations received and there will be an opportunity for stakeholders and the public to participate in writing or in person at Hearing sessions. The Council will create an 'Examination website' to keep the public and stakeholders informed.

Stage 7 - Modifications
Following Examination, the Inspector is likely to recommend some changes to the Local Plan. These modifications will be subject to a public consultation and all representations will be sent to the Inspector for their consideration. The Inspector will then issue a Report, concluding the examination.

Stage 8 - Adoption
If the Local Plan has passed the examination, the Local Plan, incorporating any modifications recommended by the Inspector, will be presented to Full Council to formally adopt. Once adopted the Plan will have full weight in planning decisions. The Plan will be published on the Council's website. Throughout the process, the CCC website will be updated with the latest information.

All the above subject to review as a result of central government changes to planning laws that are under current consideration - 11th November 2025, Secretary of State for Housing statement to the select committee on housing, communities and local communities and local government.