PARISH councillors say they are “relieved” after a blueprint for future housing in their village was given the green light to go to a referendum.

Hatfield Peverel’s Neighbourhood Plan has been is set to moves a few steps closer. The plan is set to proceed to referendum after it was approved by at a meeting of Braintree District Council bosses.

Planning boss Councillor Gabrielle Spray, Cabinet Member for Planning at Braintree District Council, said: “I would like to commend all those involved in the plan.

“It has been a complex process, but they have worked tirelessly to get to this point.”

Hatfield Peverel parish councillor Mike Renow said it had been a, Parish Councillor and Chairman of Hatfield Peverel Neighbourhood Development Plan Executive Committee describes the process as a “long journey”.

“We are relieved after a long journey that the neighbourhood plan has now successfully passed through the examination process and can proceed to referendum," he said.

“We look forward to the plan continuing to gain strength as it progresses.”

A date for the referendum is yet to be set but it is likely to take place in November.