Tendring District Council’s (TDC) Planning Policy and Local Plan Committee backed a plan for around 7,400 new homes across Tendring to meet new Government housing targets.
The council is now required to plan for 1,063 homes per year from January 2026, up from 550, following changes to the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF).
This means around 7,000 to 8,000 extra homes are needed by 2041, on top of 10,700 homes already approved or in the pipeline.
The preferred strategy combines two earlier options, focusing development along the A120 corridor, in villages with railway stations, and spreading growth to other towns and villages.
This follows feedback from public consultation, site availability and technical reports.
Four major developments have been outlined.
Around 1,882 homes are planned for a mixed-use extension in Harwich and Dovercourt.
Hare Green Garden Village, near Frating, Great Bromley and Hare Green, will deliver up to 4,500 homes long-term, with 1,700 expected by 2042 and land for employment.
Horsley Cross Garden Village, north of the A120, is set for up to 6,000 homes long-term and 1,700 by 2042, also with employment land.
Weeley Garden Village will provide around 900 homes in a planned western expansion, with community facilities and jobs.
Other towns and villages will also see new homes, including Frinton, Walton, Kirby Cross, Manningtree, Lawford, Mistley, Brightlingsea, Alresford, Great Bentley, Thorpe-le-Soken, Little Clacton, St Osyth and smaller rural villages.
These sites together could deliver about 8,800 homes, making the total number of new homes expected between 2025 and 2042 around 19,500 when existing allocations are included.
This figure includes 4,525 homes already planned for Clacton.
The plan also includes new employment land, mainly in or next to the proposed garden villages and the Tendring Colchester Borders garden community, to support local jobs and infrastructure.
Councillor Andy Baker, Cabinet Member for Housing and Planning at TDC, said: “The new mandatory targets from Government mean we now have to plan for almost twice as many homes as before – and that’s a huge challenge for Tendring.
“It will affect most towns and villages in some way, and to meet this requirement we’re looking at creating several new garden villages alongside proportionate growth elsewhere.
“This isn’t just about numbers – it’s about making sure new development comes with the right infrastructure, jobs and community facilities so that growth is sustainable and benefits local people.”
Baker added: “We’ve already listened to residents through the initial consultation earlier this year, and we will continue to do so as the plan develops.
“With major changes to local government on the horizon, this could be the last Local Plan prepared by Tendring District Council in its current form.
“That makes this review even more important, because it’s our chance to shape the long-term future of Tendring before decisions move to a new unitary authority – and we want residents to be part of that conversation.”
