COUNCIL bosses are preparing to host their first ever online meeting.

Members of Braintree Council's planning committee are due to take part in the virtual gathering on Tuesday, with the entire event broadcast live on YouTube.

It comes after the Government relaxed rules surrounding public meetings because of the coronavirus pandemic.

Local authorities are temporarily permitted to host meeting virtually through telephone conference technology or video.

The upcoming meeting will see the planning committee discuss a number of applications deemed to be in the public interest and rule on whether to grant planning permission.

Members of the public are still able to speak during the event but must contact Braintree Council in advance.

Council bosses say they intend to hold further meetings online and will release further details in the coming weeks.

Tuesday's meeting starts at 7.15pm.