Brightlingsea residents will have the chance to put their views on government-driven requirements to build hundreds more homes in the town at a consultation event organised by  Tendring District Council (TDC).

The event – in the Parish Hall from 3-7pm on February 26 – is part of a six-week consultation into proposals to meet mandatory government requirements to build thousands more homes in the district by 2042 – and up to 400 more in Brightlingsea, mostly on land off Samsons Road. Officers from TDC will be in attendance.

To meet the need for additional homes, TDC has decided on a preferred option that includes proposals for three new garden villages and major expansion at Harwich, as well as development across the district’s towns and villages.

Driven by changes to the National Planning Policy Framework, Tendring’s annual housing requirement will almost double from 550 to 1,063 homes per year from January 2026. As a result, the council must plan for a further 7,000–8,000 homes by 2042, in addition to the 10,700 already in the pipeline.

Andy Baker, TDC’s cabinet member for housing and planning, encouraged residents to make their voices heard. “Residents now have an important chance to influence how Tendring develops over the coming years, and I really hope people take the time to get involved,” he said.

“This isn’t just about allocating land for homes, it’s about ensuring we secure the infrastructure that make development sustainable for local people,” he added.

The council is aiming to submit its final plan to Government later this year, followed by examination by a planning inspector in summer 2027 and, subject to that process, adoption in winter 2027.

The consultation runs until 5pm on Monday, March 23 and documents, interactive maps and online response form are available on the council’s website. Paper representations will also be accepted, either by emailing [email protected]. Copies are also available in Brightlingsea library.