FURTHER delays to Burnham’s long-awaited Neighbourhood Plan have been blasted by councillors and residents.

The plan, in the pipeline for more than four years, was due to go to the public for a referendum in May, coinciding with Essex County Council elections. However, a Burnham Town Council meeting last week heard the referendum date has been pushed back to July 13.

The plan help support Maldon District Council’s Local Development Plan and aims to give town residents a say in how the area changes in years to come. The process was due to last a year when it began early in 2013.

In his report put to the town council, former town clerk and Neighbourhood Plan Review Group member David McNeill said there had been a delay in appointing an independent examiner).

He added: “I am pleased to report Andrew Ashdown has been appointed as the examiner for the Neighbourhood Plan with effect from mid-February.

“However, the number of statutory steps that need to be taken between the receipt of the final examiner’s report and the publication of the notice of referendum are such that it is not feasible to plan for a May 4 referendum.

“It is disappointing to miss May 4 as the date for the referendum but given the difficulty experienced by Maldon District Council in the procurement of the examiner and the prescribed procedural/legal requirements for Neighbourhood Plan it is understandable.”

Town councillor Wendy Stamp said: “I am really disappointed at the news of further setbacks.

“Given that most of us gave up our Christmases last year to go over the details and that it’s still at this stage a year-and-a-half later is terrible.

“It’s a real shame, this plan was to protect the town and its residents, and now they face more delays to having their say.”

Burnham resident John Hitcham said: “This is a shoddy performance from the district council and it cannot go without recognition.

“It will have taken 4½ years to make the plan.

It’s a complete failure on the council’s behalf.”

Burnham mayor Ron Pratt said: “It is frustrating and disappointing the May date for the referendum won’t happen, but I must commend the plan’s review group who have been working extremely hard and are continuing to be thorough and persistent.”