Toppesfield & Gainsford End Neighbourhood Plan
What is a Neighbourhood Plan?
A Neighbourhood Plan gives local residents the opportunity to help shape the future of Toppesfield and Gainsford End. It sets out a shared vision for the parish and helps guide decisions on matters such as housing, the local environment, community facilities, transport, and future development.
Once adopted, the Neighbourhood Plan becomes part of the planning framework used by Braintree District Council when considering planning applications within the parish.
Why Are We Creating a Neighbourhood Plan?
The Parish Council believes that local people should have a say in how the village develops over the coming years. The Neighbourhood Plan has been created following extensive research, community engagement, and consultation with residents to ensure it reflects local priorities and aspirations.
Consultation Process
The draft Neighbourhood Plan was made available for public consultation, giving residents the opportunity to review the proposed policies and provide feedback. Hard copies of the plan were made available locally, and an open day was held at the Village Hall to allow residents to discuss the proposals and ask questions.
The consultation period has now closed and the feedback received is being considered as part of the next stage of the process.
Current Status
The consultation stage has now been completed. Responses from residents have been reviewed and will help inform any amendments required before the plan progresses further.
Once the necessary revisions have been made, residents will have the opportunity to vote on whether the Neighbourhood Plan should be adopted. If approved, the plan will then be submitted to Braintree District Council for formal adoption.
Documents
Draft Neighbourhood Plan
Design Guide
Consultation Questionnaire
Further Information
Updates on the progress of the Neighbourhood Plan will be published on this page as they become available.
