Finchingfield and Wethersfield Neighbourhood Plan

07/08/2026

Thanks to everyone who commented on and contributed to our Joint Neighbourhood Plan from all parts of both parishes - those in the main villages and those further afield. The draft Plan has already helped frame a number of discussions and also contains a list of Actions YOU requested Parish Councils to complete which can be found on their respective websites. We now await External Examination before a final community referendum. Whilst we wait, you may be interested to scan through some of the supporting evidence we provided on our Artistic and Literary heritage (with the help of Finchingfield Guildhall amongst others) or the amazing projects local landowners are investing in to enhance our natural landscape https://www.fw-np.org/supporting-evidence-documentation 🧐 You can also find a link to a number of podcasts completed by The Fields Association covering a range of topics including the Neighbourhood Plan and the Airbase https://thefieldsassociationonair.buzzsprout.com/2227298/episodes

The Fields Association discuss all matters in connection with Wethersfield Airbase and its impact on the local community and proposed residents, be that Asylum Seekers or Prisoners. We try to balance all sides of the arguments as we discuss govern...

19/05/2026

See below NP update. BDC have started the Public Consultation stage for our Neighbourhood Plan. Please see documents and feedback process on Braintree Council's website. It's very important that our community's voice is heard. Thank you. https://www.braintree.gov.uk/policyconsultation

10/03/2026

🧐We see there have been some questions about BDC's Local Plan posters concerning the Airbase. These appear to refer to the need for a 'Master Plan' for the Airbase to make sure what happens there is done properly. The BDC Local Plan does not have much detail beyond that. However, it is in line with our draft Finchingfield and Wethersfield Neighbourhood Plan for which we are still awaiting approval. A Local Plan and Neighbourhood Plan sit together once approved.

MUCH more detailed proposed policies relating to the Airbase can be found on pages 95-96 in the Reg 15 draft version Neighbourhood Plan on our website. As Michael Staines wrote, our NP draft lays out detailed guidelines as to what should (or should not) happen at the Airbase in the future. These will form the basis for planning policy alongside BDC's Local Plan and frame how any future Master Plan will be laid out.

Our draft Plan for both parishes was submitted to BDC in August, 2025, so we awaiting next steps. It reflects surveys, public meetings and public consultation conducted by Finchingfield and Wethersfield Parish Councils' Neighbourhood Plan team and is soon (hopefully) to be subject to another round by BDC once they have completed their due diligence processes.

As the Airbase is also partly in Toppesfield parish, planning will also have to be consistent with their Neighbourhood Plan which is currently at the slightly earlier Reg 14 stage.

Phew! That's a lot but hopefully clarifies.....🫤

👇Please take a look at the FWNP website for more info or contact the NP team [email protected]

Provide Feedback Welcome to Our Plan which is now ready for you to reviewin draft View draft documents View the latest progress What is a Neighbourhood Plan? A Legal document compiled by residents which sets out policies and proposals that allow us to have a major say about the future for places whe...