Plan for 1,700 homes could meet needs for 20 years

The housing estate could be built on land west of Brook Retail Park in Clacton-on-Sea

Building a new 1,700-home development would meet a district's housing needs for the next 20 years, a council said.

Land west of Brook Retail Park in Clacton-on-Sea, Essex, has been earmarked for the Hartley Gardens project.

Tendring District Council said a new school, childcare provision and green spaces would be included in the final estate, which is part of its local plan.

At a meeting on Friday, its councillors agreed to run a public consultation on the build between 6 October and 17 November.

The principle of developing Hartley Gardens was first agreed by the council when it adopted its local plan in 2022.

"[It] will help meet housing needs for at least the next 20 years," a spokesman for the authority said.

The new school will have several outdoor sports areas, the plans suggest

Two drop-in events will be held as part of the consultation process.

It will focus on how the site is developed, including its layout, design and infrastructure.

Independent councillor Andy Baker, the authority's cabinet member for housing and planning, said: "Hartley Gardens is one of the most significant upcoming developments in our local plan.

"This is about more than just building houses – it's about creating opportunities, supporting local services and ensuring that new development enhances the quality of life for both new and existing residents."

The council hopes a planning application for the project will be submitted in 2026, with work anticipated to begin in 2029.