RESIDENTS of a Colchester ward are set to take part in a referendum over the future of their area.

For the last three years Myland Community Council and the Braiswick Residents Association has examined how the area should develop alongside growth in north Colchester until 2032.

It has now come up with its planning blueprint and residents are to have their say on whether it should be adopted by Colchester Council.

Should the neighbourhood plan receive a majority vote, it will have to be given ‘material consideration’ in planning decisions made by the authority.

It is just one of two wards to hold such a vote including Boxted – the costs of which will be met by the borough council.

However, it is not yet known what the final bill for taxpayers will be.

The Neighbourhood Plan provides a detailed vision for Myland and Braiswick, such as protecting the landscape and natural environment, creating local employment opportunities and matching housing growth with school places, sports and wellbeing activities.

Chairman Pete Hewitt said getting the green light from the inspector was an important milestone.

He said: “The examiner only gave us minor modifications to make and should it be given material consideration, it will become an active document in the borough council’s business.

“We’ve worked closely with the council all the way through and they’re very pleased with the plan so I’m happy to say it’s been a good working relationship.

“Once the date of a referendum is announced, until it takes place members of Myland Council are forbidden from encouraging a ‘yes’ vote.

“I’d just hope we’d have done enough so residents make an informed decision.”

The event is likely to be held in July so to avoid the EU referendum in June.

Paul Smith, Colchester Council leader, said: “Colchester Council would like to congratulate Myland Community Council for all the hard work it has done to secure a successful examination of their Neighbourhood Plan.

“The Neighbourhood Plan reflects a close working relationship between the Borough and Community Council and also involved extensive consultation with the local community.

"This ensured the finished plan accurately reflects local views and is compatible with adopted planning policy."

“Myland and Braiswick residents will now have the opportunity to vote on the plan and see it included within the Local Plan for Colchester as a source of additional planning guidance on securing high quality development for the area.”