The leaders of three councils hoping to build thousands of homes as part of an ambitious garden communities scheme say they welcome a less-than-glowing report into the plans.

Braintree, Colchester and Tendring councils are working together to deliver the three settlements as an answer to a national demand for housing.

But Planning Inspector Roger Clews has sent the councils back to the drawing board.

Graham Butland, Leader of Braintree District Council, said the report shows the partnership approach had been fruitful and promised to continue working on the plans.

“The three councils, working closely with our partners in Essex County Council, the North Essex Garden Communities body and Uttlesford District Council, will continue to drive forward responsible, sustainable development in the region,” he said.

“The other option is urban sprawl or piecemeal infrastructure-light development, and that really isn’t an option.”

John Spence, CBE, chairman of North Essex Garden Communities Ltd, said the report was a “useful and constructive” appraisal.

“What the councils are proposing is an approach which moves away from short-term planning to one for the long-term, with planned communities which grow over several decades supported by significant levels of infrastructure,” he said.

“We firmly believe the garden community approach remains the best and most sensible option to tackle the three big issues facing North Essex – economic growth, housing numbers and affordability.”