Residents back creation of three new community councils in Clacton-on-Sea, Holland-on-Sea, and West Clacton and Jaywick Sands
2nd April 2026
Residents have once again shown strong support for creating three new community councils in Clacton-on-Sea, Holland-on-Sea, and West Clacton & Jaywick Sands, following the completion of Tendring District Council’s (TDC) second Community Governance Review consultation.
A total of 2,685 residents took part in the second phase of the consultation, which closed on 28 February, after more than 3,400 responses were received during the first phase.
During the second phase of the consultation, residents in each of the three communities were asked whether establishing a new parish council would be the right way to ensure their local voice is heard and to hold decision-makers to account on issues affecting their area.
Results showed consistently strong backing across all communities. In Clacton on Sea, 90 per cent of respondents said a new parish council would be the right approach. Support was even higher in Holland on Sea, where 93 per cent backed the proposal. In West Clacton & Jaywick Sands, 85 per cent of respondents also agreed that creating a parish council would best represent their community.
The latest stage also sought views on detailed proposals for how new councils could be structured, including boundaries, council names, councillor numbers and the potential range of local services they might deliver.
Feedback continued to show clear support for establishing three separate councils for the district’s currently unparished areas. Residents were in favour of creating new councils called Clacton-on-Sea Town Council, Holland-on-Sea Village Council, and West Clacton & Jaywick Sands Community Council.
Respondents also supported the proposed number of councillors for each new authority, with 25 for Clacton on Sea, 15 for Holland on Sea, and 12 for West Clacton & Jaywick Sands.
Results showed consistently strong backing across all communities. In Clacton on Sea, 90 per cent of respondents said a new parish council would be the right approach. Support was even higher in Holland on Sea, where 93 per cent backed the proposal. In West Clacton & Jaywick Sands, 85 per cent of respondents also agreed that creating a parish council would best represent their community.
The latest stage also sought views on detailed proposals for how new councils could be structured, including boundaries, council names, councillor numbers and the potential range of local services they might deliver.
Feedback continued to show clear support for establishing three separate councils for the district’s currently unparished areas. Residents were in favour of creating new councils called Clacton-on-Sea Town Council, Holland-on-Sea Village Council, and West Clacton & Jaywick Sands Community Council.
Respondents also supported the proposed number of councillors for each new authority, with 25 for Clacton on Sea, 15 for Holland on Sea, and 12 for West Clacton & Jaywick Sands.
The results of the consultation were presented to TDC’s Community Leadership Overview and Scrutiny Committee on Monday 30 March. The committee’s recommendations will be submitted to Full Council on 2 June, when councillors will make the final decision on whether to create the new parishes and their councils.
If approved, the new councils would come into effect from 1 April 2027 with the first elections of community councillors a month later.
“Residents have engaged thoughtfully throughout both phases of this review, and their feedback has given us a clear understanding of how they want local representation to work in these three unparished areas.
“These communities are currently the only ones in the district without their own parish or town council, and this process has been about exploring whether new community councils could provide a stronger, more focused voice for each of them.
“The second phase of the consultation enabled residents to directly influence proposals for the new councils. The feedback is guiding the next steps, ensuring there is a complete and accurate picture when the final recommendations are considered.”
Community councils – often known as parish or town councils – can champion local priorities and may deliver services such as parks, events, leisure facilities and community amenities. They are also statutory consultees for planning applications.
Should councillors agree on 2 June to the creation of the new community councils, further steps would include preparing the formal Community Governance Order and supporting a smooth transition toward the new councils being established and councillors elected.