A PLANNING inspector is set to consider Braintree Council's Draft Local Plan at a public hearing.

The draft plan sets out a framework for the future development of the district in relation to housing, the economy, community facilities and infrastructure.

Recommendations will be made to Braintree Council once the inspector has been through the draft plan.

If the plan is found to be sound, then the council can adopt it officially.

The district's plan is split into two parts, the first is a joint strategic plan for garden communities prepared with Colchester Borough Council and Tendring District Council.

Section two relates to the district specifically and where development will take place up until 2033.

Lynette Bowers-Flint, councillor responsible for planning and housing, said: “It has taken a long time and lots of hard work by my fellow councillors, partners, officers and residents to get to this stage but having a local plan in place will give us more power to stop inappropriate development.

"Section one focusses on garden communities and our plan is all about putting infrastructure first, providing high quality housing and local employment and creating healthy and sociable communities which enhance the natural environment.”

The hearing, which opens on Tuesday, is expected to last two weeks and takes place at the Weston Homes Stadium, in United Way, Colchester.

Members of the public are able to attend and observe the hearing, however cannot participate in the examination unless invited.

Visit www.braintree.gov.uk/LPExamination.