A scrapped plan for future development in the district could still be used to decide planning applications - until a new plan is drawn up.

Braintree Council scrapped its draft Local Development Framework (LDF) for 3,443 homes in June because up to 883 homes a year may be needed as a result of new housing projections and Government guidance, more than three times the 272 a year previously thought.

The LDF was intended to set out locations for development until 2026 but there were concerns the planning inspector would not approve it, which could have cost taxpayers £80,000.

However, members of the LDF sub-committee agreed last Wednesday to recommend the council consider any new planning applications alongside the scrapped Site Allocations and Development Plan until a new plan is drawn up.

See this week's Halstead Gazette for the full story.