THE public will get to have a say on details for three new garden towns before plans goes back before an inspector.

Colchester Council and Braintree Council have agreed to progress plans for the new garden towns, with Tendring Council set to debate it last night.

It means a public consultation could start as early as two weeks’ time.

During the consultation there will be six weeks for residents to have their say on amendments, additional evidence and reports on the sustainability of the three new towns.

The proposals by Colchester, Tendring, Braintree and Essex councils, are to build 43,000 homes over the next 50 years.

Once the public consultation is completed, the councils will submit the documents to the planning inspector before an examination of the proposals starts again.

The councils are also awaiting a decision on whether it will get funding for the realignment of the A12 and for its rapid transport proposal.

Essex County Council has made two bids to the Government’s Housing Infrastructure Fund, but has not yet heard if it has been successful.

The rapid transit system is designed to reduce congestion and provide quick and easy access in and out of Braintree and Colchester from the new towns.

The system, which could cost between £230million and £325million, will start off as a bus service with bus lanes.

But it is dependent on funding from the Government.

Work on upgrading the A12 between Marks Tey and Boreham has also been delayed while work on the garden communities continues.

A report said updates on the two bids for funding are being sought.

It added: “This will demonstrate to the inspector that positive progress is being made in securing the road infrastructure that will be key to the delivery of the proposed garden communities.

“The bids are currently being evaluated by Homes England.

“Essex County Council has written to Government ministers setting out the importance of announcements on the outcome of the bids as quickly as possible.”

Councillors agreed they “would expect a decision on those bids before submitting further evidence to the Secretary of State”.

If Tendring Council gives the green light, the consultation could start on August 19 and last until September 30.

It is thought the inspector could start looking at the plans next year.