RESIDENTS will have their first chance to see and comment on plans to build 4,800 new homes in the district.
This week Braintree District Council launched the first of a series of consultation events to show local people their future housing proposals.
In September 2011, the authority committed to building nearly 5,000 new homes in the district by 2026, including 1,900 in Braintree, Bocking and Great Notley, and 1,700 in Witham.
The blueprints are available to download now and 12 events will take place across the region up to February 7.
Councillor Patricia Newton, cabinet member for planning and property, said: "We want to give everyone in the district the opportunity to see the draft plans and tell us what they think.
"This plan could affect you – so help us plan for growth in ways that best meet the needs of our residents."
Houses are spread evenly across the district apart from in three growth locations in Witham and in Braintree.
In Braintree, 600 new homes will be built off Panfield Lane, transforming the western edge of the town of 42,000 people.
Three hundred homes will be built in northeast Witham, near Rivenhall, and 700 to the south off Hatfield Road.
The plans also identify areas to be protected from development and sites that could be used for employment and retail.
They have been prepared over 16 months with Essex County Council and parish councils.
Ken Squibb, chairman of Convent Lane and Broad Road Action Group, ran a successful campaign to stop the land at Straits Mill, Bocking, from being considered as a growth location.
He said: "We dodged a bullet. We didn't want any of Straits Mill developed because we considered it part of our countryside."
The deadline for comments to the council is February 22.
Responses should be returned to planningpolicy@braintree.gov.uk or sent to Planning Policy, Braintree District Council, Causeway House, Bocking End, Braintree CM7 9HB.
To view the plans go to www.braintree.gov.uk/planning, visit Braintree District Council or attend one of the consultation events.
