MALDON District Council (MDC) has produced draft guidelines on how it will consult with the local community on planning applications and development plans.

The Maldon District Statement of Community Involvement (SCI) sets out what consultation will take place when the council is developing and reviewing its planning documents and determining planning applications.

It also provides information on the support the council can give to communities preparing neighbourhood plans or neighbourhood development orders.

MDC adopted the first SCI in 2007 and updates have been made since, with this 2021 draft being the third version.

A spokesperson for MDC said: "The planning system affects all communities and individuals in one way or another. It is therefore crucial that local people are given the ability to understand the planning process and the opportunity to participate in decision-making processes, offering their ideas and influencing future development in the district.

"Our latest SCI therefore sets out how the council will engage with the local community, businesses and interested parties in the forthcoming review of our Local Plan."

MDC is now seeking views on the SCI and what consultation will take place when it is developing and reviewing planning documents and making decisions on planning applications.

You can read the draft SCI and give feedback by following this link. The consultation will run from Friday, 17 June to Thursday, 29 July 2021.

Councillor Wendy Stamp, Leader of Maldon District Council, said: "The Statement of Community Involvement will be used as a framework for consultation and engagement by the council.

"It will inform and help guide our approach to consultation for the production of planning policy documents and planning applications. I would encourage residents and businesses to give us their view."