The Councils behind the North Essex Garden Communities initiative could be set to form the first Development Corporation in over a decade.
North Essex Garden Communities Ltd, the company set-up to oversee the programme will, in the coming days, seek agreement in principle from its four shareholder councils (Braintree, Colchester, Tendring and Essex County Council) to apply for development corporation status.
The potential to create locally run development corporations has become available following recent legislation changes, and while a decision on whether to proceed will be determined by any rules imposed by Government, North Essex could be the first area in the country to benefit.
Should it proceed, the Development Corporation would be a locally controlled, standalone body with significant powers handed to it directly from Government, which would enable comprehensive infrastructure early in any development.
The decision on whether to take forward discussions on the Development Corporation plans, and commit funding for the future of the project will be made by each individual council cabinet.
Each Garden Community is also dependent on the outcome of respective Local Plans which will be examined in the new year.