LOCAL PLAN UPDATE 30th June 2026

The Town Council held discussions with the City Council Planners in the early Summer. These meetings included early consideration of draft proposals for an island specific policy, safeguarding our local environment, coastal areas, and other issues relevant to the emerging Local Plan. We understand that our City Councillors have also been involved in related discussions.

The Council's 40+ response to the earlier consultation is reproduced below.

Pleased to report that Island Policy and Coastal Policies as reported in the Courier of 26th June 2026 were adopted for the next stage of the Local Plan by the Local Plan Committee. The next stage is the consideration of the Local Plan Place Policies that includes the allocation of 300 houses for West Mersea that will be considered by the next Local Plan Committee in August. The Town Council strongly objects to this allocation.

The Committee formally agreed - "to the policy wording as presented in the schedule attached as Appendix A (that included the policies above) for inclusion in the Submission Draft Local Plan. Subject to agreement of the remainder of the Plan in August, to agree publication for Regulation 19 consultation and submission to the Planning Inspectorate. To note the updates on progress and evidence updates identified in the report which will be considered further to inform the next iteration of the Local Plan."

In the report by the Planning Officers, it was stated that one of the most significant updates was - new Islands Policy - "this was suggested by West Mersea Town Council to address the unique issues facing Mersea Island. Officers have collaborated with the Town Council in drafting the policy and supporting text."

It also stated in the report - "The caravan parks policy has been amended to apply solely to caravan parks on Mersea Island, with additional criteria added. This will be included in the Place chapter of the plan."

Colchester City Council Regulation 18 Consultation

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

Update on West Mersea Town Council representations to the City Council, special one-to-one meeting held with City planners on 15th April 2026. For more details, click on the link: WMTC representations to CCC

To view the West Mersea Town Council response to the Colchester City Council New Local Plan Regulation 18 Stage, click on the link: WMTC full response to CCC 14Jan2026

The leaflet below indicates that the City Council decided upon 20,800 new homes by 2041. The Town Council wish to state for the record that it was central government that set Colchester City Council the target. Furthermore if provision is not made for 20,800 then the Government will impose a 20% increase on the target.

CONSULTATION NOW CLOSED
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 was delivered to all homes in West Mersea during early December. The leaflet can be viewed below:

               

The leaflet can also be collected from the Council Office in Melrose Road, West Mersea. 

Colchester New Local Plan virtual exhibition 2025 - A guide to entering comments, supplied by the City Council: click here

How to comment and register for Colchester Consultation Portal: click here
Please consider evidence based comments: On the CCC portal (link above) registration is required for making comments on the Local Plan. Click on no.12 Place Policies, click on West Mersea Policy PP23: Land East Dawes Lane, West Mersea which appears amongst other sites. Comments can be entered there for West Mersea and in other sections you feel is appropriate for the range covered by the Local Plan.

Drop in events organised by Colchester City Council (we tried to get them to hold similar events in West Mersea).
In-person info sessions at Colchester Town Hall on:
Wednesday 10th December - 4pm to 7pm
Saturday 13th December - 10am to 2pm
Monday 15th December - 10am to 2pm

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.  

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.