After years of meetings, debates and public consultations, the Uttlesford Local Plan has been submitted to the Planning Inspectorate.

Following the handover last Friday, the Inspector will now conduct the examination to ­determine whether the plan is sound and complies with all the legal requirements.

All representations received as part of the last consultation have been submitted to the Inspectorate in full.

According to Uttlesford District Council, the plan supports the policies for housing and growth in the district. It identifies sites around the district where homes, employment, shops, schools, recreational facilities and open space can be provided and the infrastructure to support that development.

Cllr Susan Barker, left, cabinet member with responsibility for the Local Plan, said: “We have submitted our plan to the Inspector following a comprehensive public consultation exercise and we look forward to the results of the examination, expected to be in the autumn.”