Three councils behind plans to create new garden communities across north Essex look set to form the first development corporation in more than a decade.
North Essex Garden Communities, which has been set up to oversee the programme, is seeking an agreement from councils in Braintree, Colchester, Tendring and Essex County Council to apply for development corporation status.
The corporation would have significant Government powers which would enable comprehensive infrastructure to be built early in the development.
John Spence CBE, Chairman of the North Essex Garden Communities board said: “It is our belief that the opportunity to create a new development corporation takes the programme to the next level and enables us, if viability is proven, to deliver the vision we have set out.”
The new communities could see up to 45,000 homes and jobs created over the next 30 years.
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 council in the coming days.
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