Thousands of people have had their say on the future of Uttlesford during a seven week consultation.

Uttlesford District Council received 2,000 comments from people for its draft local plan, which will guide where homes and employment opportunities go up to 2033.

More than 500 people alone attended the council’s drop-in exhibitions.

Howard Rolfe, leader of the council, said: “We will need to carefully consider the points that have been made – all the letters, emails and online responses will be reviewed over the coming weeks. This is an essential part of the plan-making process and will help the council to shape a robust and sound Local Plan.”

The plan, when finalised, will also set out where new schools and roads need to be.

The comments will now be presented with the planning officers’ recommended responses to the Planning Policy Working Group and Cabinet for their consideration.

There will then be a final consultation of the plan before it is submitted to the Secretary of State for independent examination by a planning inspector.

All the comments made during the consultation can be viewed via the online consultation portal at www.uttlesford.gov.uk/draftplan2017