The Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act 2004 introduced a new development plan system for local planning authorities to update and replace Local Plans and Structure Plans. Essex County Council is the local planning authority for minerals and waste planning. These plans will eventually be replaced by Local Development Documents for both minerals (the Mineral Development Document, or MDD) and waste (the Waste Development Document, or WDDs).

It will take a number of years to develop, consult, refine and implement the emerging MDD and WDDs. Therefore, the adopted and saved Minerals and Waste Local Plans will remain in effect. The emerging elements of the new policies are considered when making planning decisions.

Policies currently in consultation can be accessed from the Essex County Council Consultation Portal, and previous consultations and associated materials can be accessed on the archived consultations page.

Details of all policies in development can be obtained directly from the Policy Planning team.