The Tendring Council Planning Committee was scheduled to consider a range of planning applications, including proposals for new housing developments in Elmstead and Alresford, and the construction of a new community sports and play facility at Clacton Leisure Centre. The committee was also scheduled to discuss plans for a temporary boat hall for the RNLI lifeboat.

Planning Application 26/00287/OUT - Land to north of Colchester Road, Elmstead

The committee was scheduled to consider an outline planning application for up to 30 dwellings on land to the north of Colchester Road in Elmstead. This application was a departure from the Local Plan and had been deferred from a previous meeting. The report pack indicated that the proposal was for dwellings and associated infrastructure, including public open space, landscaping, and sustainable drainage systems. The report pack also noted that the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) 2026 had been updated, introducing a stronger presumption in favour of sustainable development outside settlements where there is an evidenced unmet housing need. The officer's recommendation was for outline approval, subject to conditions and a Section 106 agreement.

The Elmstead Parish Council had raised objections, citing concerns about the lack of housing need in Elmstead, conflict with the Elmstead Neighbourhood Plan policies, and the impact on local infrastructure such as schools and healthcare facilities. They specifically highlighted concerns regarding Policy ELM2, which designates a green landscape buffer, and Policy ELM13, concerning traffic management. The officer's response to the Parish Council's objection indicated that most points were addressed within the report, and that measures such as a 20mph zone, traffic calming, and bus stop improvements were considered sufficient mitigation for transport impacts.

Planning Application 26/00874/PIP - Land east of 3 Orchard View, Wivenhoe Road, Alresford

A Permission in Principle application was scheduled to be discussed for one self-build dwelling on land east of 3 Orchard View, Wivenhoe Road, Alresford. The report pack indicated that the site was within the defined Settlement Development Boundary of Alresford, where residential development is supported in principle by the Tendring District Local Plan and the Alresford Neighbourhood Plan. The scope of consideration for this application was limited to location, land use, and the amount of development. The officer's recommendation was for approval, subject to conditions.

The Alresford Parish Council had unanimously objected to the application, noting that the land had recently been granted permission for change of use to a residential garden and expressing concerns about it becoming a precursor to future development. They considered the proposal would result in an unacceptable loss of rural character and amenity. The officer's note stated that covenants were not planning matters and that the site, being garden land, was within the settlement boundary where development was acceptable in principle.

Planning Application 26/00883/FUL - Clacton Leisure Centre, Vista Road, Clacton-on-Sea

The committee was scheduled to consider a full planning application for the construction of a community ride and play facility at Clacton Leisure Centre. The proposal included a pump track, learn-to-ride area, play area, facilities building, tennis courts, padel courts with canopies, fencing, and floodlighting, along with associated landscaping and sustainable drainage systems. The report pack highlighted that this development would significantly enhance leisure and recreational facilities, providing community, health, and wellbeing benefits. Sport England had raised no objection, subject to conditions regarding replacement tennis courts and a racket sport and netball development plan. The officer's recommendation was for approval, subject to conditions.

Planning Application 26/00727/FUL - Car Park, Hastings Avenue, Clacton-on-Sea

A planning application for a temporary structure for a term of seven years was scheduled for discussion. This robust structure was proposed to act as a temporary boat hall to protect the RNLI's Shannon-class lifeboat and tractor from the elements and provide security. The report pack explained that the existing lifeboat station could not accommodate the new vessel. The proposal was considered acceptable in principle, with significant public benefits through the continued operation of an emergency service. The officer's recommendation was for approval, subject to conditions.

The Environment Agency had raised no objection, noting the site's location within Flood Zone 3b but deeming the development water-compatible. Essex County Council Highways also raised no objection, acknowledging the operational need for the facility. The proposal would result in a temporary loss of part of an overflow parking area, but this was considered outweighed by the operational and public benefits.

Other Agenda Items

The committee was also scheduled to address standard agenda items, including apologies for absence and substitutions, and the minutes of the last meeting. There were no questions on notice submitted for this meeting. The date of the next scheduled meeting was also to be confirmed.