NEGC Ltd today announce that it will carry out a programme of public engagement starting in late October; a genuine dialogue with the public about Garden Communities.
Under the title, “Shaping Communities for Future Generations”, the aim is to begin a genuine dialogue with the public about what they would like to see Garden Communities deliver for them, their children and their children’s children.
NEGC Ltd is the body tasked with taking the North Essex Garden Communities project forward. It is wholly owned by, and works on behalf of, Essex County Council, Braintree District Council, Tendring District Council and Colchester Borough Council. The delivery of the Garden Communities is subject to their being approved by an independent Planning Inspector who is currently examining the councils’ Local Plan.
NEGC Ltd Managing Director, Richard Bayley, said, “This first engagement will give everyone the chance to influence and shape the new Garden Communities as the thinking and planning develops. There will be no layouts or detailed plans at this point, just open conversations about what is possible and what people want including the opportunities and benefits. We will then prepare a range of options which we will bring back to the public and use as the basis for further discussions in 2020.”
The Chairman of NEGC Ltd, and Cabinet Member for Health and Adult Social Care at Essex County Council, Cllr John Spence said, “These conversations with the public are essential. A major project such as the North Essex Garden Communities will only succeed if the public is fully engaged. And that will only happen if members of the public believe that theirs is the voice that truly matters – not those of experts, consultants or commerce.”
As well as engaging with the general public, the programme will include meetings with important groups in and around the proposed Garden Community sites. These include health, education, transport professionals, wildlife conservationists, charities, community groups as well as utility companies and the emergency services.
The engagement programme will include workshops, public exhibitions, pop-up events and focus groups. The public will also be able to get involved online as the programme unfolds. The aim will be to stimulate discussion and ideas for a community which works now and in the future in terms of how we live and work, our health and well-being, the environment and our sense of community and belonging.
Programme of Events
Three public exhibitions have been organised for members of the public to hear about the Garden Communities and listen to speakers about the Garden Community principles as well as find out about ideas from local stakeholders and community groups.
EAST – Tendring/Colchester Borders
Saturday 26th October – 10am – 4pm
Greenstead Community Centre, Hawthorn Avenue, Colchester, CO4 3QE
CENTRE – Colchester/Braintree Borders
Saturday 9th November – 10am – 4pm
Marks Tey Parish Hall, Old London Road, Colchester
WEST- West of Braintree Border
Saturday 23rd November – 10am – 4pm
Great Saling Parish Hall, Piccotts Lane, Great Saling, Braintree, CM7 5DW