VILLAGERS have been told a plan which could influence the future of hundreds of new homes is “flawed”.

Tiptree Parish Council submitted its neighbourhood plan to Colchester Council for the next round of consultation earlier this year.

The plan, which has been six years in the making, would shape future development in the area for the next 15 years and aims to protect the community from speculative developments.

If it gets the green light, it will be used by Colchester Council to influence future planning applications.

But an independent examination has found it to be flawed.

Examiner John Parmiter said: “Overall, I find the dominating reliance on community objectives within the Strategic Environmental Assessment process, without proportionate and robust evidence to support the spatial strategy, to be flawed

“Therefore, coupled with the inclusion of a route across land in an adjoining parish, I conclude that the plan does not meet the basic conditions or the legal requirements.”

Mr Parmiter also raised concerns the plan may conflict with some of Colchester Council’s own emerging local plan.

The borough council’s local plan committee will look to find a way forward at a meeting on December 14.

Following that, the examiner’s report will be formally published.

Julie Young, the council’s deputy leader, said: “It is deeply frustrating that the independent examiner has reached this conclusion.

“His recommendation was not anticipated by us, nor Tiptree Parish Council and we are very disappointed.

“Despite seeking clarification on several matters, the report still does not reach a positive conclusion.

“Tiptree has worked tirelessly to develop a robust and realistic neighbourhood plan and has been ambitious in seeking to allocate adequate land for housing and help plan for the future.

“It seems ironic, therefore, that the independent examiner’s justification for why it cannot proceed is because it places too much emphasis on community objectives.

“Isn’t that what localism and neighbourhood planning is all about?

“He also criticises the plan for being forward-thinking and planning for future infrastructure.

“No wonder people complain about facilities and infrastructure not keeping pace with new housing when our hands are tied, and we cannot properly plan for it.”

But she added: “Despite this setback, we will continue to support Tiptree Parish Council to deliver a neighbourhood plan that can proceed to a referendum as soon as possible.

“The Neighbourhood Plan Group is already considering a revised plan, which all parties are determined will provide a sound planning framework for Tiptree in the years to come.”