Braintree Council has apologised after a series of data protection letters were sent out just two days before the deadline for a response.

Residents and stakeholders which had shown an interest in the council's planning policy were sent a letter asking them to reconfirm their details as part of new General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) rules.

However the letters were dated Wednesday, May 23, when the deadline for GDPR updates was Friday, May 25.

Braintree Council has apologised for the delay, but said residents' preferences can be updated after this date.

A spokesman said: “Along with many other organisations, the council has been contacting residents and those interested in its services in response to recent changes in data processing legislation, which is part of our ongoing commitment to ensuring that residents can remain informed.

"We apologise for the delay in sending out this letter, however it was made clear that residents can update their preferences at any time by contacting us through our website, email, telephone and letter.

"We would encourage anyone who would like to hear about planning policy and the Local Plan to sign up by visiting www.braintree.gov.uk/consultLP or by emailing planningpolicy@braintree.gov.uk.”