Developments in the Mid-20th Century

• Introduction
• 1947 Town and Country Planning Act
• Holidays with Pay
• Conclusion

This article considers how Clacton-on-Sea, Frinton, Walton and the surrounding areas were significantly affected from the end of the Second World War by two far-reaching Acts of Parliament, and by an unforeseen development in holiday accommodation.

These factors created substantial change to the physical and social environment, not just at the Tendring District resorts but at holiday destinations throughout the country. Planning legislation, in the form of the landmark 1947 Town and Country Planning Act had a profound impact upon the physical environment in the marginalisation and eradication of the plotlands and in a way that had not been foreseen by its architects: the development of the holiday caravan parks. Legislation for paid holidays enabled huge numbers of the post war working class to visit the Tendring resorts for the first time and populate the new accommodation. How this legislation was originated, its impact upon the holiday resorts and the development of the static holiday caravan site is considered below.