This prestigious accolade follows the plan’s earlier success in winning the Best Plan category at the RTPI East of England Awards in June. The national recognition places the joint plan, developed by officers from Tendring District Council, Colchester City Council, and Essex County Council, among the UK's leading examples of planning practice.
Adopted in 2025, the Development Plan Document (DPD) establishes the planning framework for a new Garden Community comprising 7,750 homes, situated on the border between Tendring and Colchester. It outlines a forward-thinking, long-term strategy for creating a healthy, sustainable, and well-connected locality, integrating homes, employment opportunities, community amenities, green spaces, and transport infrastructure from the initial stages.
The achievement is a significant accomplishment for the dedicated officers across the three councils, who collaborated with creativity and professionalism over several years to prepare the DPD. Specialist expertise was provided by planning consultancy Hyas Associates, which worked as an integral part of the joint team. This close partnership, informed by extensive community and stakeholder engagement, has resulted in a robust, locally-led plan designed to guide the Garden Community's development for many years.
“"To be named a national finalist is a tremendous honour and a proud moment for everyone who has helped shape this pioneering plan. It is a fitting recognition of the exceptional commitment, expertise and perseverance shown by officers across Tendring, Colchester and Essex, together with the specialist input and sustained support of Hyas Associates. Working as one team, they have turned a bold vision into a clear framework for delivery."
Cllr Guglielmi added: “The DPD puts quality of place, sustainability, infrastructure and the needs of future communities at its heart. Following our success in the East of England awards, we are delighted that this work is now being celebrated on the national stage, alongside the very best in the planning profession.”
The RTPI Awards for Planning Excellence aim to highlight the positive impact that planning professionals have on communities and quality of life. The national winners are scheduled to be announced at a ceremony in London on 3 December 2026.
