Summary of the initial engagement
In summer 2023, the initial stage of community engagement introduced the site to stakeholders and the local community, and to gain an insight first hand from local people into the issues and opportunities impacting Clacton-on-Sea and the surrounding area.
In the initial engagement, people were asked to assess Clacton-on-Sea and Hartley Gardens using 12 key themes, and rating them 1 to 7 (1 being a bad score, 7 being a good score). These scores were compiled and mapped onto a spider diagram to give a simple visual understanding of the assets that can be built upon and areas that can be improved.
Assessment of assets and areas for improvement in Clacton-on-Sea and Hartley Gardens
As well as asking people about these key themes, we sought insights about Clacton-on-Sea and priorities for future development of Hartley Gardens. There were many common responses received to the themes. What people said at the initial stage engagement has been summarised in the table below.
Community and facilities |
Movement |
Spaces |
Vision and opportunities |
| Provide homes to suite local need, including family homes. Maximise employment opportunities through development process and land uses. Support, rather than compete with, the viability of the town centre Provide a primary school and nurseries. Reflect the Clacton-on-Sea seaside identity. Support local health provision (on-site or via s106 contribution) Work to understand why doctors are not attracted to moving to Clacton |
Create a new access road into Hartley Gardens Consider the traffic impacts on Little Clacton Road Minimise the impact of increased population on congestion by maximising public transport and active travel Link active travel routes with routes to the town centre to support its civic role Ensure there is adequate parking, carefully integrated into the development |
Increase and improve the provision of play space for current and new residents Maintain and enhance the walking routes to the south of the site, by the Brook Park West development Design spaces for elderly, such as including adequate provision of rest stops all green spaces and walking routes Provide open spaces that are multifunctional, providing environmental, ecological and social benefits |
Consider early delivery of infrastructure to serve existing community. Integrate active travel infrastructure throughout the site and linking it with the town centre. Enhance Pickers Ditch into a park that acts as a focal point for the green infrastructure network. Provide attractive streets through trees and planting Make sure there is a settlement gap between Clacton and Little Clacton. |
Summary of findings from stage 1 engagement that has informed the vision and spatial framework