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Planning Authority of the Year Winner 2026
This award celebrates an authority delivering high standards by operating a multi-disciplined effective/collaborative breadth of planning and built environment service capabilities. This includes work on NSIPs, Climate Change and Strategic Planning, as well as its support of Local Plans, four Garden Communities and its own policy development.
RTPI East of England award judges

Congratulations to Essex County Council, awarded Planning Authority of the Year at the RTPI East of England Planning Excellence Awards 2026.

Essex County Council was awarded the winner for its highly effective, multi-disciplinary approach to planning and the built environment, delivering an impressive breadth of expertise across strategic planning, climate-responsive policy, and nationally significant infrastructure.

The authority plays a pivotal role in shaping 12 Local Plans and is now leading, with Southend and Thurrock, the preparatory work for the Greater Essex Spatial Development Strategy. Its teams are driving forward four Garden Communities, supporting 10 Nationally Significant Infrastructure Project schemes, and continually advancing new policy and standards from healthy, net zero homes to parking guidance, data centre policy and a pioneering health protocol.

Enthusiastic, collaborative and firmly committed to a plan-led system, Essex County Council demonstrates leadership, innovation and a clear vision for sustainable growth across the county.

Group of people in high-visibility vests and hard hats gathered outdoors for a site visit briefing in front of a fenced construction area
Celebrating excellence Planning Authority of the Year receives their award
Group photo of Essex County Council Planning Service – Active Learning Day attendees standing together inside a large stadium