SITES have been earmarked for hundreds of new homes across Harwich and Manningtree as part of Tendring Council’s emerging Local Plan.

Neil Stock, council leader and chairman of its- Local Plan committee, said a major step forward had been taken towards coming up with a Local Plan.

The plan will shape housing and economic growth in the area over the next 17 years.

The overall number of homes required was agreed at 9,974 at a rate of 550 properties a year, or 10,924 if that figure needs to rise to 600 per year.

It will cover the period from April 2015 to March 2032.

The figures agreed include 819 for the Harwich area, 520 for Manningtree, Mistley and Lawford, and 1,164 homes for the Colchester fringe.

Mr Stock said housing numbers had been identified for various towns and the next stage would be for the preferred options of individual sites going out to public consultation.

“This is a very emotive subject and, of course, everyone has their own ideas and is seeking different outcomes,” he said.

“However, there was a three-hour debate with speakers from the public and parish councils, and I am grateful for all the input.

“The important thing is that we are now able to move on to the next stage and the timetable has not been delayed.

“It is vital that we get our Local Plan in place – one which stands up to scrutiny – so that this issue is decided locally and not imposed on us from above.

“Having the plan in place will also stop the developer free-for-all that we are currently experiencing and which is not good for anyone other than the developers and landowners.”

Mr Stock said some changes were expected to be made before the plan was presented to a Government inspector. “There will be changes along the way as sites are approved – either by the council or on appeal – and others drop out. But we can make progress towards the end goal without further delay,”

he added.

The figures also include 2,780 for Clacton, 367 for Frinton, Walton and Kirby Cross, 133 for Little Clacton and 100 each for Brightlingsea, Great Bentley and Thorpe and 1,000 windfall sites.

Weeley is being treated separately, with it planned to receive 304 homes if the target is 550 a year; or 1,411 if the target is 600 a year.