Issue 5, 25th September - 1st October, 2026

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Welcome to issue 5 of The Colchester, Tendring & Braintree Briefing. Each week it reports council decisions, planning applications, spending, jobs and tenders, and public consultations across Colchester City Council, Tendring District Council and Braintree District Council.

THIS WEEK AT A GLANCE

• ⚠️ Have Your Say — Colchester's Regulation 19 Local Plan consultation closes on 13 October. Tendring's closes on 19 October. Braintree's closes at 5pm on 6 November.

• ⚠️ Coming Up — Colchester's Planning Committee meets on 1 October to consider five bungalows at Carshalton End and repairs to the West Tower of the Natural History Museum.

• In the Chamber — Tendring's Cabinet recommended changes to the Constitution on planning committees and the National Scheme of Delegation.

• Planning Watch — Braintree's Planning Committee refused outline permission for up to 60 dwellings at Brain Valley Avenue, Black Notley, and approved reserved matters for 66 homes at Towerlands, Braintree.

• Planning Watch — Tendring's Planning Committee approved the Clacton Leisure Centre ride and play facilities, according to the council's news release.

• Your Money — Tendring approved a one-year extension of its corporate insurance at £875,522.52 under special urgency.

• Jobs & Tenders — Colchester awarded a contract for retrofit energy upgrade work in its housing stock. The decision record does not publish the value.

• The Countdown — 548 days to 1 April 2028, the current stated date for North East Essex Council. Colchester's LGR Panel next meets on 3 November.

NUMBER OF THE WEEK

£875,522.52

The price of a one-year extension of Tendring District Council's corporate insurance arrangements with its existing insurers. The Leader approved the extension on behalf of Cabinet on 30 September under the special urgency procedure, as a key decision. The decision record states that the 2021 tender was valued at £2,736,400 over five years. See Your Money.

Source: Tendring District Council — Corporate insurance extension, decision record 14511

IN THE CHAMBER

TENDRING CABINET DECISIONS OF 25 SEPTEMBER (Cabinet — Constitution, housing)

Tendring's Cabinet met on 25 September. Its decisions list records three items:

• Constitution and National Scheme of Delegation. Cabinet recommended to Full Council changes to the Constitution on planning committees and the new National Scheme of Delegation. The Members' Referral Scheme for planning applications is to be deleted, and the national scheme takes effect on 31 October 2026.

• Housing complaints. Cabinet noted the annual housing complaints report and its self-assessment against the Housing Ombudsman Code, and published a response. The agenda report recorded 84 Stage 1 complaints in 2025/26, 18 escalated to Stage 2, and tenant satisfaction with complaint handling of 36.3%, against 49% the year before. The Cabinet response records that satisfaction with complaint handling and with the speed of Stage 2 responses decreased. The self-assessment is due to the Ombudsman by 30 September.

• Housing Succession and Assignment Exchange Policy. Cabinet adopted the policy, to be reviewed every three years.

The decisions are subject to call-in.

Source: Tendring District Council — Cabinet, 25 September 2026, decisions list

TENDRING PLANNING COMMITTEE OF 29 SEPTEMBER (Committee — planning)

Tendring's Planning Committee considered four applications on 29 September. Minutes had not been published when this issue was compiled. The council's news release of 30 September records one outcome.

• Clacton Leisure Centre (26/00883/FUL). The council's release states that the committee approved its project of about £2 million. It comprises a pump track, a learn-to-ride area, a playground, two covered padel courts and two tennis courts, with opening expected in 2027. The release links the funding to the Community Regeneration Partnership, a £20 million programme funded by the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government. The council is the applicant.

• Elmstead (26/00287/OUT). Outline application by Welbeck Strategic Land IV LLP for up to 30 dwellings north of Colchester Road. The officer recommendation was outline approval subject to conditions and a Section 106 agreement. The report records the proposal as a departure from the Local Plan and 44 objection letters, with 12 further objections in the update sheet. The item was deferred from 7 July. The outcome has not been published.

• Alresford (26/00874/PIP). Permission in principle for one self-build dwelling. The officer recommendation was approval. The outcome has not been published. See How It Works.

• Clacton (26/00727/FUL). A temporary boat hall for seven years for the Shannon class lifeboat at the Hastings Avenue car park. The officer recommendation was approval. The outcome has not been published.

Sources: Tendring District Council — Planning Committee, 29 September 2026, agenda and papers · Tendring District Council — news release, 30 September 2026

TENDRING OFFICER AND PORTFOLIO HOLDER DECISIONS (Delegated decisions)

• Stop Social Housing Stigma. A Corporate Director decision of 25 September approved Tendring joining the Stop Social Housing Stigma campaign. It is not subject to call-in. (decision record)

• Other decisions. The Portfolio Holder and officer decisions on the Shopfront Improvement Grant, footfall data, Baily Garner and corporate insurance are under Your Money and Jobs & Tenders.

BRAINTREE CABINET AND FULL COUNCIL (Cabinet — outcomes not published)

Braintree's Cabinet met on 28 September, and its meeting page records the meeting as having occurred. Only the agenda has been published. Its items, reported in our last issue, included the award of a contract for seven refuse collection vehicles at £1,804,215, a £1,300,000 Section 106 award for 35 affordable homes at Cressing, and a six-month extension of temporary accommodation arrangements. The outcomes are not recorded in published minutes or decisions. Full Council was scheduled for 30 September.

Source: Braintree District Council — Cabinet, 28 September 2026, meeting page

PLANNING WATCH

This section covers planning applications validated and decided in the two most recent complete portal weeks, 14–27 September 2026. The week of 14 to 20 September was covered in our last issue for Colchester and Tendring and is not repeated here. Everything below for those two districts is from 21–27 September 2026. Committee items are reported by meeting date. Planning runs a few days behind the rest of this briefing because the councils' planning registers publish in whole weeks.

Comments on an application are normally accepted for 21 days from the date it is publicised. Each district's full register follows its round-ups, and each reference links to that application's own page on the council's register: Colchester, Tendring, Braintree. Every link is checked before publication. A council may later restructure its website and break a link that worked when this was sent; this is rare and outside our control.

Coverage note — Braintree. Braintree's planning register again showed a Cloudflare verification page throughout the collection period, so no application list was available from it. Braintree's validated and decided applications for 7–27 September are therefore not listed in this issue, including the week of 7 to 13 September held over from two issues ago. The three decisions below are taken from the published minutes of Braintree's Planning Committee of 15 September. This is a gap in this issue's coverage. It does not mean Braintree was quiet.

Coverage note — Tendring. Tendring's weekly schedule of delegated decisions for the week ending 25 September was published in a readable form, including the parish-by-parish "no determination" rows. Fourteen parishes had no decisions that week, among them Lawford, Manningtree and Wrabness. Discharges of conditions, Section 106 agreements and one householder prior approval decided that week appear on the council's register but not on the schedule; their outcomes are taken from each application's own page. Fourteen tree works applications are not listed, in line with this briefing's standing scope.

Coverage note — Colchester. Colchester's weekly lists for the week beginning 21 September were read in full: 19 applications received and 25 decided. Five tree works applications received are not listed, in line with this briefing's standing scope.

BRAINTREE — FULL ENTRIES

OUTLINE APPLICATION FOR UP TO 60 DWELLINGS AT BRAIN VALLEY AVENUE, BLACK NOTLEY, REFUSED (Outline — up to 60 dwellings, refused)

Braintree's Planning Committee refused an outline application by Nightingale Land for up to 60 dwellings with public open space on land at Brain Valley Avenue, Black Notley, at its meeting of 15 September (26/00450/OUT). All matters were reserved except access, and the proposal included demolition. The application was valid from 16 March 2026. The officer recommendation was refusal, for the reasons in Appendix 1 of the Planning Development Manager's report. The minutes record representations and a public statement on the item.

Sources: Braintree District Council — Planning Committee, 15 September 2026, minutes · Planning Committee, 15 September 2026, meeting page

66 HOMES AT TOWERLANDS, PANFIELD ROAD, BRAINTREE, APPROVED AT RESERVED MATTERS (Reserved matters — 66 dwellings, approved)

Braintree's Planning Committee approved reserved matters for 66 two-, three- and four-bedroom houses and apartments on land at Towerlands, Panfield Road, Braintree, applied for by Dandara Eastern, on 15 September (26/01333/REM). The reserved matters are appearance, landscaping, layout and scale, with roads, parking and landscaping, under outline permission 19/00786/OUT granted on 9 April 2021. The minutes record representations and a public statement on the item.

Source: Braintree District Council — Planning Committee, 15 September 2026, minutes

EQUESTRIAN USE AT GREAT BARDFIELD APPROVED (Retrospective change of use — approved)

Braintree's Planning Committee approved a retrospective application on 15 September (26/01331/FUL). It covers a cross-boundary change of use of agricultural land to equestrian use, hard surfacing, a water collection area, a storage container, temporary-style event stables and a horse shower block at Great Bardfield.

Source: Braintree District Council — Planning Committee, 15 September 2026, minutes

The minutes record decisions only. The reasoning for the two approvals is in the Planning Development Manager's reports in the agenda pack, which this issue does not summarise.

BRAINTREE — FULL REGISTER

Braintree's planning register could not be read for this window; see the coverage note at the top of Planning Watch. The applications validated and decided in Braintree between 7 and 27 September will be carried in our next issue if the register becomes readable.

TENDRING — FULL ENTRIES

FLOODLIT FOOTBALL FOUNDATION PLAYZONE AT CLIFF PARK, HARWICH, APPROVED (Full — council-applicant, approved)

Tendring District Council's application to construct a floodlit Football Foundation Playzone at Cliff Park, High Street, Harwich, was approved on 24 September (25/01781/FUL). The council is the applicant. The schedule of decisions records the decision type as Committee. This issue does not carry the committee's reasoning.

Source: Tendring District Council — Applications Determined, week ending 25 September 2026

22 INDEPENDENT LIVING UNITS AT FAIRLAWNS, WASH LANE, CLACTON, WITHDRAWN (Change of use — 22 units, withdrawn)

Prae Healthcare Limited's application to change Fairlawns, 41 Wash Lane, Clacton-on-Sea, from a residential institution (Use Class C2) to an independent living facility of 22 self-contained units with communal facilities (sui generis) was withdrawn on 22 September (26/01181/FUL).

Source: Tendring District Council planning register — 26/01181/FUL

TENDRING — NEW HOMES ROUND-UP

Further new-dwelling applications validated or decided since our last issue:

• Four dwellings on land north of Harwich Road, Little Clacton — validated (26/01431/FUL)

• Self-build replacement dwelling and garage block with room over at Laurel Cottage, Ravens Green, Little Bentley — validated (26/01483/FUL)

• Permission in principle for one or two dwellings on land between The Hawthorns and 1 Heath Road, St Osyth — validated (26/01487/PIP)

• Replacement self-build dwelling at Woodlands Farm, Rectory Road, Weeley Heath — approved (26/01208/FUL)

Source: Tendring planning register

TENDRING — COMMUNITY AND COMMERCIAL ROUND-UP

• Demolition of the church hall at St Johns Church and a replacement church hall, St Johns Road, Clacton-on-Sea — validated (26/01506/FUL)

• Demolition of an existing block at Ravens Academy, Nayland Drive, Clacton-on-Sea, and a new single-storey teaching block, multi-use games area and external works — validated (26/01417/FUL)

• Temporary mobile library bus in the front car park of Adult Community Learning, St Osyth Road, Clacton-on-Sea, for 18 months — validated (26/01500/CMTR)

• Change of use of land for the siting of storage containers at Green Box Storage, Rectory Lane, Ramsey — validated (26/01460/FUL)

• Lawful development certificate for the existing storage and distribution of roofing materials (Use Class B8) at Morrow House, Morrow Lane, Ardleigh — validated (26/01406/LUEX)

Source: Tendring planning register

TENDRING — LISTED BUILDINGS ROUND-UP

• Redecoration of timber sash windows and the front entrance door at 1 Stour Street, Manningtree, with two localised timber repairs — validated (26/01502/LBC)

• Repainting the rendered frontage of The Moorings, High Street, Mistley, light grey in place of pink — validated (26/01424/LBC)

• Single-storey rear extension at Walnut Tree, Carringtons Road, Great Bromley — refused (26/01239/LBC)

• Electric vehicle charger at Thatched Cottage, Wix Road, Bradfield — approved (26/01113/LBC)

Source: Tendring planning register

TENDRING — CONDITIONS AND AGREEMENTS ROUND-UP

• Discharge of conditions on construction management, off-site flooding and biodiversity net gain at Peake Fruit Ltd, Home Farm Lane, Ardleigh — validated (26/01510/DISCON)

• Discharge of conditions on landscaping and a biodiversity enhancement strategy at The Coign, Ash Street, Wrabness — validated (26/01325/DISCON)

• Discharge of a materials condition at The Bungalow, Mill Hill, Mistley — approved (26/01242/DISCON)

• Discharge of conditions on surface water and foul drainage for phase 2 of land south of Long Road, Mistley — approved (26/00990/DISCON)

• Legal agreement on RAMS and biodiversity net gain on land adjacent to Gaylawn Lodge, Main Road, Frating — completed (26/01233/S106)

• Discharge of materials and window details conditions at Hill Farm, Bromley Road, Ardleigh — approved (26/01203/DISCON)

• Discharge of a fire prevention plan condition at the waste transfer station verge, Ardleigh — refused (26/01199/DISCON)

• Discharge of RAMS and sustainability measures conditions at 108B and C Old Road, Clacton-on-Sea — approved (26/01183/DISCON)

• Discharge of conditions on materials, joinery, junction details and rainwater goods at Wheelwrights, Colchester Road, Ardleigh — approved (26/01163/DISCON, 26/01167/LBDISC)

• Discharge of biodiversity net gain and RAMS conditions on land adjacent to Sherbro House Kennels, Colchester Main Road, Alresford — split decision (26/01147/DISCON)

• Discharge of a site compound layout condition at 757 St John's Road and Rouses Farm, Jaywick Lane, Clacton-on-Sea — refused (26/01107/DISCON)

• Discharge of a RAMS condition at 5 Oatside, Kirby Cross — approved (26/01091/DISCON)

• Discharge of nine conditions on land west of Clacton Road, Elmstead Market, including materials, landscaping, construction management, archaeology and drainage — split decision (26/01006/DISCON)

• Variation of condition 2 (approved drawings) to alter house types on land south of Holland Road, Little Clacton — validated (26/01470/VOC)

• Non-material amendment to alter a dormer to a pitched roof at 60 Harwich Road, Lawford — validated (26/01389/NMA)

• Non-material amendment to the holiday-let parking layout at High Birch Farmhouse, High Birch Road, Weeley — approved (26/01404/NMA)

• Variation of condition 3 on timber doors at St Osyth Priory, The Bury, St Osyth, to allow an extended time limit for removal of the doors — approved (26/01220/VOC)

Source: Tendring planning register

TENDRING — PRIOR APPROVALS AND OTHER DECISIONS ROUND-UP

• Prior approval for installation of a power generator cabin, equipment cabinet and ancillary development at Walton Iron Foundry, Hall Lane, Walton-on-the-Naze — prior approval required, deemed approved (26/01279/TELCOM)

• Prior approval for a 4-metre single-storey rear larger home extension at 83 West Avenue, Clacton-on-Sea — prior approval refused, 24 September (26/01301/HHPNOT)

• Notice of fixed line broadband apparatus at Hillcrest Court, Brooklyn Road, Dovercourt — deemed consent (26/01367/TELLIC)

• Relocation of 3-metre fencing closer to the highway at 12 Valleybridge Road, Clacton-on-Sea — refused (26/01061/FUL)

Source: Tendring planning register

TENDRING — FULL REGISTER (55 APPLICATIONS)

| ADDRESS | DESCRIPTION |

| 1 Stour Street Manningtree Essex CO11 1DH — 26/01502/LBC | Application for Listed Building Consent - Redecoration of existing timber sash windows, front entrance door and surrounds. 2no. localised areas of spliced timber repair to door surround — validated |

| 101 Frinton Road Holland On Sea Clacton On Sea Essex CO15 5UN — 26/01496/FULHH | Householder Planning Application - Proposed garden outbuilding — validated |

| 108B and C Old Road Clacton On Sea Essex CO15 3AA — 26/01183/DISCON | Discharge of Condition Application for 25/00790/FUL - Condition 2 (RAMS) and Condition 3 (Sustainability Measures) — approved |

| 12 Valleybridge Road Clacton On Sea Essex CO15 4AD — 26/01061/FUL | Planning Application - Relocation of the existing 3m high fencing to a position closer to the highway — refused |

| 142 Harwich Road Mistley Manningtree Essex CO11 2DG — 26/01436/FULHH | Householder Planning Application - Erection of a single storey rear and single storey side extension — validated |

| 17 Sycamore Way Clacton On Sea Essex CO15 2BH — 26/01511/FULHH | Householder Planning Application - Increase to garage roof, change of external materials and insertion of openings to garage to facilitate conversion — validated |

| 18 Ford Lane Alresford Colchester Essex CO7 8AS — 26/01486/FULHH | Householder Planning Application - First floor rear extension — validated |

| 2 Washford Gardens Clacton On Sea Essex CO15 1XA — 26/01414/FULHH | Householder Planning Application - Extension of existing vehicle crossover and dropped kerb — validated |

| 3 Harcourt Avenue Dovercourt Harwich Essex CO12 4NT — 26/01212/FULHH | Householder Planning Application - Single storey rear extension — approved |

| 30 Thorpe Road Kirby Cross Frinton On Sea Essex CO13 0LT — 26/01072/FULHH | Householder Planning Application - Single storey extension, conversion of loft space including raising existing eaves and ridge. Hipped roof dormer installed to side slope of roof — refused |

| 37 Dugmore Avenue Kirby Le Soken Frinton On Sea Essex CO13 0ED — 26/01170/FULHH | Planning Application - Rear and side extension (following removal of existing addtions) — approved |

| 42 West Field Lane St Osyth Clacton On Sea Essex CO16 8GW — 26/01161/FULHH | Householder Planning Application - Installation of three rooflights to rear roofslope — approved |

| 5 Oatside Kirby Cross Frinton On Sea Essex CO13 0FU — 26/01091/DISCON | Discharge of conditions application for 25/01873/FUL - Condition 3 (Mitigation to be agreed: RAMS) — approved |

| 60 Harwich Road Lawford Manningtree Essex CO11 2LP — 26/01389/NMA | Non Material Amendment to (25/00523/FULHH) - To alter dormer to a pitched roof — validated |

| 8 Hastings Place Brightlingsea Colchester Essex CO7 0PB — 26/01403/FULHH | Householder Planning Application - Single storey front extension — validated |

| 83 West Avenue Clacton On Sea Essex CO15 1HB — 26/01301/HHPNOT | Application to Determine if Prior Approval is required for a Proposed Larger Home Extension - Single storey flat roof extension at rear measuring 4m in depth, 3m high and 2.5m at the eaves, assessed under the Town and… — prior approval refused |

| 9 The Close Jaywick Clacton On Sea Essex CO15 2RR — 26/01189/FULHH | Householder Planning Application - single storey side/porch extension (retention of) — approved |

| Adult Community Learning St Osyth Road Clacton On Sea Essex CO15 3BN — 26/01500/CMTR | Installation of a temporary mobile library bus within the front car park for use as a library facility for a period of 18 months — validated |

| Cliff Park High Street Harwich Essex CO12 3AT — 25/01781/FUL | Planning Application - Construction of floodlit Football Foundation Playzone — approved |

| Fairlawns 41 Wash Lane Clacton On Sea Essex CO15 1UP — 26/01181/FUL | Planning Application - Change of use from residential institution (C2) to independent living facility comprising 22 self-contained units and communal facilities (Sui Generis) — withdrawn |

| Green Box Storage Rectory Lane Ramsey Essex CO12 5HA — 26/01460/FUL | Planning Application - Change of use of land for the siting of storage containers — validated |

| High Birch Farmhouse High Birch Road Weeley Clacton On Sea Essex CO16 9BU — 26/01404/NMA | Non Material Amendment to 24/00390/FUL - To amend the layout of the parking spaces serving the holiday-lets from a side-by-side to a linear arrangement — approved |

| Hill Farm Bromley Road Colchester Essex CO7 7SE — 26/01203/DISCON | Discharge of Conditions Application for 24/01310/DETAIL - Condition 7 (Materials) and Condition 8 (Window Details) (part re-submission of 25/01442/DISCON) — approved |

| Land adjacent Sherbro House Kennels Colchester Main Road Alresford Colchester Essex CO7 8AP — 26/01147/DISCON | Discharge of Conditions Application for 24/01489/FUL - Condition 10 (Biodiversity Net Gain Plan) and Condition 11 (RAMS) — split decision |

| Land adjacent to Gaylawn Lodge Main Road Frating Essex CO7 7DJ — 26/01233/S106 | Legal Agreement in relation to RAMS and BNG for application reference 25/01081/FUL — completed |

| Land at 757 St John's Road and Rouses Farm Jaywick Lane Clacton On Sea Essex CO16 8BJ — 26/01107/DISCON | Discharge of conditions application for 17/01229/OUT - Condition 8 (Site Compound Layout) — refused |

| Land Between The Hawthorns and 1 Heath Road St Osyth Essex CO16 9BS — 26/01487/PIP | Application for Permission in Principle - Residential development comprising of one or two dwelling houses — validated |

| Land North of Harwich Road Little Clacton Clacton On Sea Essex CO16 9NJ — 26/01431/FUL | Planning Application - Four dwellings, new access, parking and landscaping — validated |

| Land South of Holland Road Little Clacton Essex CO16 9QH — 26/01470/VOC | Application under Section 73 of the Town and Country Planning Act for Variation of Condition 2 (Approved Drawings) of application 24/00161/FUL to alter house types — validated |

| Land South of Long Road Mistley Essex CO11 2HN — 26/00990/DISCON | Discharge of conditions application for 21/00213/OUT - Discharge of Condition 9 (Surface Water Drainage - Part A and B Phase 2 only) and Re-discharge of Condition 10 (Foul Drainage Phase 2 only) (resubmission of… — approved |

| Land West of Clacton Road Elmstead Market Essex CO7 7DF — 26/01006/DISCON | Discharge of conditions application for 24/01363/FUL - Condition 5 (Agreement of Materials), Condition 6 (Screen Wall and Fence Details), Condition 9 (Shed/Outbuilding Details), Condition 10 (Hard and Soft Landscaping… — split decision |

| Laurel Cottage Ravens Green Little Bentley Colchester Essex CO7 8TA — 26/01483/FUL | Planning Application - Self Build construction of replacement dwelling and garage block with room over following demolition of existing dwelling and outbuildings — validated |

| Meadland House Damants Farm Lane Thorpe Le Soken Clacton On Sea Essex CO16 0NP — 26/01455/FULHH | Householder Planning Application - Single storey side/rear extension — validated |

| Morrow House Morrow Lane Ardleigh Colchester Essex CO7 7NG — 26/01406/LUEX | Application for Lawful Development Certificate for Existing Use or Development for the storage and distribution of roofing materials (Use Class B8) — validated |

| Moverons Lodge Moverons Lane Brightlingsea Colchester Essex CO7 0SB — 26/01449/LUEX | Application for Lawful Development Certificate for Existing Use or Development for use as a single dwelling house — validated |

| OS 9 Hillcrest Court Brooklyn Road Dovercourt Harwich Essex CO12 3QF — 26/01367/TELLIC | Intention to Install Fixed Line Broadband Apparatus — deemed consent |

| Peake Fruit Ltd Home Farm Lane Ardleigh Colchester Essex CO7 7NA — 26/01510/DISCON | Discharge of conditions application for 25/01249/FUL - Condition 7 (Construction Management Plan), Condition 17 (Scheme to Minimise the Risk of Offsite Flooding) and Condition 19 (Biodiversity Net Gain Plan) — validated |

| Ravens Academy Nayland Drive Clacton On Sea Essex CO16 8TZ — 26/01417/FUL | Planning Application - Proposed demolition of existing block and replacement with new single storey teaching block, new MUGA, external works and landscaping — validated |

| Slough House Farm Great Bentley Road Frating Colchester Essex CO7 7HW — 26/01493/FULHH | Householder Planning Application - Weatherboard cladding to front elevation and render finish to chimney stack — validated |

| St Johns Church Hall St Johns Church St Johns Road Clacton On Sea Essex CO15 4BP — 26/01506/FUL | Planning Application - demolition of existing church hall and replacement with new church hall — validated |

| St Osyth Priory The Bury St Osyth Clacton On Sea Essex CO16 8NZ — 26/01220/VOC | Application under Section 73 of the Town and Country Planning Act for Variation of Condition 3 (Detailed Elevation and Sectional Drawings for the proposed timber doors) of application 26/00794/FUL to allow extended time… — approved |

| Thatched Cottage Wix Road Bradfield Manningtree Essex CO11 2UX — 26/01113/LBC | Application for Listed Building Consent - Installation of Electric Vehicle Charger — approved |

| Thatched Cottage Wix Road Bradfield Manningtree Essex CO11 2UX — 26/01112/FULHH | Planning Application - Installation of Electric Vehicle Charger — approved |

| The Bungalow Mill Hill Mistley Manningtree Essex CO11 2AU — 26/01242/DISCON | Discharge of conditions application for 26/00750/FULHH - Condition 3 (Agreement of Materials) — approved |

| The Coign Ash Street Wrabness Essex CO11 2TG — 26/01325/DISCON | Discharge of Conditions for 25/01530/VOC - Condition 4 (Landscaping) and Condition 8 (Biodiversity Enhancement Strategy) — validated |

| The Firs Heath Road Tendring Clacton On Sea Essex CO16 0BX — 26/01373/FULHH | Householder Planning Application - First floor rear extension, new rear balcony, porch and single storey side extension — withdrawn |

| The Moorings High Street Mistley Manningtree Essex CO11 1HD — 26/01424/LBC | Application for Listed Building Consent - To repaint the rendered frontage a light grey, a change from the current pink — validated |

| Torinduna Tenpenny Hill Thorrington Colchester Essex CO7 8JG — 26/01136/FULHH | Householder Planning Application - Re-roofing of the existing extension and garage, part conversion of the garage and addition of rooflights — approved |

| Verge at Waste Transfer Station Ardleigh Essex CO7 7SL — 26/01199/DISCON | Discharge of conditions application for 25/00737/FUL - Condition 3 (Fire Prevention Plan) — refused |

| Walnut Tree Carringtons Road Great Bromley Colchester Essex CO7 7XA — 26/01240/FULHH | Householder Planning Application - Single storey rear extension — refused |

| Walnut Tree Carringtons Road Great Bromley Colchester Essex CO7 7XA — 26/01239/LBC | Application for Listed Building Consent - Single storey rear extension — refused |

| Walton Iron Foundry Foundry Yard Hall Lane Walton On The Naze Essex — 26/01279/TELCOM | Prior Approval Application under Part 16, Class A of the Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) (England) Order 2015 (as amended) for installation of 1 no. power generator cabin, 1 no. equipment… — prior approval required, deemed approved |

| Wheelwrights Colchester Road Ardleigh Colchester Essex CO7 7NP — 26/01167/LBDISC | Discharge of Conditions Application for 26/00088/LBC - Condition 3 (Materials), Condition 4 (Joinery), Condition 5 (Junction Details) and Condition 6 (Rainwater Goods) — approved |

| Wheelwrights Colchester Road Ardleigh Colchester Essex CO7 7NP — 26/01163/DISCON | Discharge of Conditions Application for 25/01640/FULHH - Condition 3 (Agreement of Materials), Condition 4 (Joinery), Condition 5 (Junction Details) and Condition 6 (Rainwater Goods) — approved |

| Woodlands Farm Rectory Road Weeley Heath Clacton On Sea Essex CO16 9BL — 26/01208/FUL | Planning Application - Demolition of existing dwelling and the erection of a replacement self build dwelling — approved |

Applications on the High Street are listed under On the High Street. Tree works applications are not listed.

COLCHESTER — FULL ENTRIES

CERTIFICATE OF LAWFULNESS GRANTED FOR 17 FLATS AT 1 BANK PASSAGE (Certificate of lawfulness — existing use, granted)

Colchester granted a certificate of lawfulness on 25 September for the existing use of the building at Flats 1–17, 1 Bank Passage, Colchester, as 17 self-contained flats (261294).

Source: Colchester City Council planning register — 261294

DOG WALKING FIELD AT STRAIGHT ROAD, BOXTED, APPROVED (Change of use — retrospective, approved with conditions)

Colchester approved with conditions, on 25 September, retrospective permission for a change of use from agriculture to a dog walking field at 25 Straight Road, Boxted (261023). A retrospective application for an ancillary annex at the same address was refused the same day (260960).

Source: Colchester City Council planning register — 261023

COLCHESTER — CONDITIONS AND AGREEMENTS ROUND-UP

• Discharge of a brickwork, mortar, bond and joint profile condition at 34 Priory Street, Colchester — validated (261725)

• Discharge of conditions 17 to 21 at Greenstead Community Centre, Hawthorn Avenue, Colchester — approved (261385)

• Discharge of conditions on remediation works, management company and travel packs at Garrison Area J2B, Circular Road North, Colchester — approved (261441)

• Discharge of six conditions at Fiveways Fruit Farm, Heath Road, Stanway — approved (261189)

• Discharge of condition 2 at 43 Roman Road, Colchester — approved (260133)

• Discharge of ecological enhancement and biodiversity enhancement strategy conditions on land east of Nayland Road, Great Horkesley — approved (261528)

• Discharge of nine conditions, including materials, windows and mezzanine floor, at Street Farm, London Road, Stanway — refused (260836)

• Discharge of conditions 4, 5, 6, 7, 9 and 15 at Holy Trinity Church, Trinity Square, Colchester — approved (260496)

• Retrospective variation of condition 2 (drawings) of permission 240895 at Clay Pightle, Abberton Road, Fingringhoe — approved with conditions (260901)

Source: Colchester planning register

COLCHESTER — SIGNS, TELECOMMUNICATIONS AND BUILDING WORKS ROUND-UP

• Telecommunications equipment on wall-mounted poles at Bertrand Russell Tower, Wivenhoe Park, Wivenhoe — approved with conditions (261428)

• Real-time passenger information screens outside 131 High Street, Colchester, with digital advertisements — approved with conditions (261404)

• Signage for the Sigma Trust head office at The Stanway School, Winstree Road, Stanway — approved with conditions (261354)

• Roof addition for a lift and stair overrun at 38 High Street, Colchester — approved with conditions (260272)

Source: Colchester planning register

COLCHESTER — FULL REGISTER (33 APPLICATIONS)

| ADDRESS | DESCRIPTION |

| 122 Monkwick Avenue, Colchester CO2 8NB — 261197 | Erection of a detached timber outbuilding for ancillary domestic use — approved with conditions |

| 14 Yorick Road, West Mersea Colchester CO5 8HT — 261282 | Proposed chalet style extension to existing bungalow with single store — approved with conditions |

| 15 Battalion Walk, Colchester CO2 7GS — 261721 | Loft conversion with front, side and rear roof lights — validated |

| 17 Hillview Close, Rowhedge Colchester CO5 7HS — 261266 | Construction of a single-storey flat-roofed rear extension, together with associated garden levelling works and the construction of a retaining wall — approved with conditions |

| 22 Cherrywood Drive, Colchester CO3 4LU — 261729 | Single storey rear extension — validated |

| 25 Straight Road, Boxted Colchester CO4 5HJ — 261023 | Retrospective permission for change of use from agriculture to dog walking field — approved with conditions |

| 25 Straight Road, Boxted Colchester CO4 5HJ — 260960 | Retrospective permission for erection of an annex ancillary to the main dwelling — refused |

| 34 Priory Street, Colchester CO1 2QA — 261725 | Application to discharge condition 3 (details of brickwork, mortar, bond and joint profile) of planning permission 261033 — validated |

| 38 High Street, Colchester CO1 1DH — 260272 | Minor roof addition to accommodate a lift and stair overrun — approved with conditions |

| 43 Roman Road, Colchester CO1 1UR — 260133 | Application to discharge condition 2 to 251278 — approved |

| 49 Barnardiston Road, Colchester CO4 0DR — 261732 | Demolition of the existing ground-floor rear lean-to extension and theerection of a two-storey rear extension, a single-storey side extension, and a front porch extension — validated |

| 49 Lexden Road, Colchester CO3 3PY — 261740 | Erection of an aluminium panel sided glasshouse on a concrete ring beam base — validated |

| 6 Brook Cottages, Wet Lane, Boxted Colchester CO4 5TW — 261743 | Erection of a part first-floor rear extension, with alterations to theexisting first-floor layout and changes to rear fenestration — validated |

| 6 Pond Chase, Colchester CO3 4RD — 261450 | Proposed replacement porch and replacement garage roof — approved with conditions |

| Bacons Farm Barn, Bacons Lane, Chappel Colchester CO6 2EB — 261719 | Applicaton for amendments to Listed Building Consent ref: 081641, for demolition Of modern buildings associated with the historic barn. Conversion of barn and dairy buildings and erect single storey building on the… — validated |

| Bertrand Russell Tower, Wivenhoe Park, Colchester CO4 3FA — 261428 | Installation of telecommunications equipment on wall mounted poles — approved with conditions |

| Cav 10, 3, 2 / Garrison Area J2B, Circular Road North, Colchester — 261441 | Application to discharge conditions 9 (Remediation Works), 22 (Management Company) and 23 (Travel Packs) to application 250639 — approved |

| Clay Pightle, Abberton Road, Fingringhoe Essex CO5 7AT — 260901 | Application to vary condition 2 (drawings) of planning permission 240895 - retrospective — approved with conditions |

| Fiveways Fruit Farm, Heath Road, Stanway Colchester CO3 0QR — 261189 | Application for approval of details reserved by condition 13, 15, 17, 18, 20 & 39 of application 182220 — approved |

| Flats 1 - 17, 1 Bank Passage, Colchester CO1 1HZ — 261294 | Certificate of Lawfulness for the existing use of the building as 17 self-contained flats — certificate granted |

| Frogs Hall Cottage, Green Lane, Aldham Colchester CO6 3PR — 260756 | Demolition of 2no agricultural barns and erection of 1 no. new self- build dwelling house — refused |

| Greenstead Community Centre, Hawthorn Avenue, Colchester CO4 3QE — 261385 | Application for approval of details reserved by condition 17, 18, 19, 20 & 21 of application 252034 — approved |

| Hartfield, 88 School Road, Copford Colchester CO6 1BX — 261731 | Alterations to fenestration and enlargement of dormer on rear elevation — validated |

| Holy Trinity Church, Trinity Square, Trinity Street, Colchester — 260496 | Application for Approval of Details Reserved by Conditions 4, 5, 6, 7,9 & 15 of approved application 232565 — approved |

| Land to the east of, Nayland Road, Great Horkesley Colchester — 261528 | Application for the approval of details reserved by condition 9 (Ecological Enhancements) and 16 (Biodiversity Enhancement Strategy) of outline 230625 — approved |

| Land to the west of, Plummers Road, Fordham Colchester — 261722 | Erection of 5no. Dwellings with access and parking — validated |

| Outside, 131 High Street, Colchester CO1 1SP — 261404 | The screens are primarily for public good, displaying real-time passenger information (RTPI) for public transport services (bus and train) in the surrounding area: including live departure and arrival times and stop… — approved with conditions |

| Shrub End Sports Ground, Boadicea Way, Colchester CO2 9BG — 261567 | Single storey side extension with ramped access and addition of an external door to the rear elevation — approved with conditions |

| Spindles, Chapel Road, Fingringhoe Colchester CO5 7BH — 261733 | Proposed front extension with a first-floor roof terrace above, two- storey side extension, internal alterations, and alterations to the front boundary to create one additional parking space — validated |

| Street Farm, London Road, Stanway Colchester CO3 8LT — 260836 | Application for approval of details reserved by condition 3 (materials), 7 (brick plinth), 8 (insulation), 9 (details of new door), 10 (window details), 11 (details of link), 13 (mezzanine floor), 14 (glazed partition)… — refused |

| The Chase, Straight Road, Colchester CO3 9BU — 261720 | Erection of 1no. dwelling — validated |

| The Phaeton House, 8a High Street, West Mersea Colchester CO5 8QD — 261333 | Retrospective works for replacement roof finishes, Proposed new cat slide roof, new external wall finishes, replacement conservatory, new entrance canopy, replacement windows and doors and new rooflights — approved with conditions |

| The Stanway School, Winstree Road, Stanway Colchester CO3 0QA — 261354 | Signage on the recently remodelled and refurbished HMO / domestic dwelling following conversion to a Head Office for the Sigma Trust. Signage will enable visitors to differentiate the central Head Office from the main… — approved with conditions |

Applications on the High Street are listed under On the High Street. Tree works applications are not listed.

ON THE HIGH STREET

BRIGHTLINGSEA

• Applications were validated for refurbishment of the public house at Ye Olde Swan, 15 High Street, including internal alterations to the bar, lounge and dining areas, snug and toilets (26/01494/FUL, with listed building consent 26/01495/LBC).

CLACTON-ON-SEA

• Permission was granted to change the use of 56 Hayes Road from a chiropractic clinic (Use Class E) to Use Class F1 for charitable or community use connected to the neighbouring place of worship (26/01108/FUL).

• A retail unit with car park and landscaping at Brook Park West, Little Clacton Bypass, was approved on 21 September (26/00445/FUL).

• An application was validated for an acoustic barrier inside the service yard fence at Morrisons, Waterglade Retail Park, following the installation of three containers in the yard and noise complaints from local residents (26/01497/FUL).

COLCHESTER

• An application was validated for a hand car wash on land to the rear of 350 Harwich Road (261718).

• An application was validated to vary a 1995 permission at 4 Tollgate East, Stanway, to expand the range of goods that can be sold from the unit (261738).

• A lawful development certificate application was validated for two security roller shutters inside the commercial premises at 16 High Street (261741).

• Barclays Bank was approved a smart ATM and tablet sign at 9 High Street (261164).

• Replacement signs for new ownership at Hudsons Smokehouse & Grill, 19 Head Street, were approved with conditions (261181).

• A pre-fabricated building for a dog grooming salon at 42 Christopher Garnett Chase, Stanway, was approved with conditions (261267).

FRINTON-ON-SEA

• Advertisement consent was granted for an illuminated fascia sign and an illuminated projecting sign at 54 Connaught Avenue (26/01164/ADV).

GREAT BROMLEY

• An application was validated to change the external wall finish at the Bromley Cross Pub, Ardleigh Road (26/01173/FUL).

LAWFORD

• A lawful development certificate application was validated for 466 solar panels on the roof of Fiveways Supermarket, Riverside Avenue East (26/01465/LUPROP).

ST OSYTH

• Tendring renewed a licence to home board dogs for Leewick Home Boarding, Lee Over Sands, on 25 September (decision record).

LICENSING

Tendring published a licensing delegations decision for 21 to 25 September 2026, dated 25 September. The decision states that the individual determinations are set out in an attached report, but no report was listed with it, so the premises decisions for that period cannot be listed here.

Source: Tendring District Council — Licensing Delegations, 21–25 September 2026

YOUR MONEY

• Tendring — corporate insurance. The Leader, acting on behalf of Cabinet under special urgency, approved a one-year extension of the council's corporate insurance with its existing insurers under Regulation 72(1)(c), at £875,522.52. The decision is a key decision, dated 30 September, the day the current arrangements expire. The report links the approach to the government's announcement of 7 September. (decision record)

• Tendring — Shopfront Improvement Grant. A Portfolio Holder decision of 25 September, subject to call-in until 2 October, approved an £11,400 grant to one successful applicant, £1,807.46 for a delegated planning consultant, and a further £3,570 to an existing grant of £12,439.95 for Grandma Lillys Tearoom. (decision record)

• Tendring — footfall data. A Corporate Director decision of 24 September extended the Place Informatics footfall-data contract for one year for Clacton and Dovercourt town centres, at £4,350 excluding VAT for both. The contract was procured in 2023 for three years and is funded from Local Regeneration Fund projects. (decision record)

• Tendring — Walton-on-the-Naze Lifestyles. The council states that energy-efficiency upgrades at the leisure centre have reduced energy use by more than a third, with savings of up to £64,000 a year. The total investment was £362,806, including £94,500 from the Swimming Pool Support Fund. (council news release)

• Colchester — North Essex Parking Partnership fees and charges. The Joint Committee is asked on 1 October to decide permits, fees and charges to 31 March 2030. The proposals include a MiPermit convenience fee built into on-street tariffs and third resident permits reintroduced in the Colchester City area. (decision record)

JOBS & TENDERS

• Colchester — retrofit energy upgrades. The Portfolio Holder for Housing awarded the contract for retrofit energy upgrade work within the council's housing stock (reference 0472-PA), a key decision covering all 17 wards, implementable after 5pm on 25 September. The report is exempt from publication and the decision record does not state a value. (decision record)

• Tendring — Baily Garner. A Corporate Director decision of 24 September varied the Baily Garner contract for Employer's Agent and Project Management services on Carnarvon Terrace and on Milton Road and Victoria Street, Clacton-on-Sea. Additional fixed fees are £21,960 and £7,003 excluding VAT, £28,962.10 in total, taking the contract from £168,450 to £197,412.10. The record gives the reason as a longer programme caused by a retender. (decision record)

• Colchester — North Essex Parking Partnership posts. The Joint Committee is asked on 1 October to approve a Data Analyst post, filled by secondment to the end of 2026/27, and an increase in Civil Enforcement Officers from 46 to 49 full-time equivalents. It is also asked to note a Notice Processing Officer recruited on internal secondment. (decision record)

THE COUNTDOWN

Colchester, Tendring and Braintree are currently due to be replaced by a single unitary authority, North East Essex Council, on 1 April 2028 — 548 days from 1 October 2026. The government withdrew its March 2026 decision on 7 September pending a review, so 1 April 2028 is the current stated date, not a settled one.

No shadow authority election countdown is carried. The Minister's letter of 7 September states that "elections scheduled to take place in May 2027 will go ahead to existing council boundaries".

GUIDANCE ON PLAN-MAKING UPDATED

On 24 September the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government updated its draft guidance on plan-making and local government reorganisation to reflect the 7 September pause and review. The guidance is a statement of intention. It states that the pause and review are not a reason to delay plan-making, and that transitional regulations will follow. It is not specific to Essex.

Source: Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government — Plan-making and local government reorganisation

WHERE THE THREE COUNCILS STAND

• Tendring's and Braintree's reorganisation pages are unchanged; both carry the notice of the 7 September withdrawal. (Tendring, Braintree)

• Colchester's LGR Transformation and Transition Panel next meets on 3 November. Correction: our last issue gave 7 October; the committee's page lists meetings on 23 July, 9 September, 3 November and 3 December 2026. (Colchester meetings)

• The Essex LGR Hub, the joint site of the fifteen Greater Essex councils, carries no news later than March 2026. (Essex LGR Hub news)

• The Ministry's collection page for Essex, Southend-on-Sea and Thurrock was last updated on 7 September. (collection page)

HAVE YOUR SAY

Colchester Submission Draft Local Plan, Regulation 19 consultation — closes 13 October 2026. The Habitats Regulations Assessment and Sustainability Appraisal close on the same date. Respond via Colchester's consultation portal.

Braintree — outdoor table tennis at Sauls Bridge Sports Ground, Witham — closes 5pm Friday 16 October 2026. The council proposes two outdoor table tennis tables and smart lockers, funded by a £54,000 Section 106 contribution. (council news release)

Tendring Local Plan Review, Submission Version — closes 5pm Monday 19 October 2026. The council states that this is the final opportunity to comment before the plan is submitted for independent examination. Respond via Tendring's consultation portal. The remaining drop-in event listed by the council is Friday 2 October, 3pm–7pm, at Venture Centre 2000, Bromley Road, Lawford.

Braintree Local Plan 2043, Submission Draft, Regulation 19 consultation — closes 5pm, Friday 6 November 2026. The council states that representations must focus on whether the plan is legally compliant and sound, that anonymous representations cannot be accepted, and that each respondent's name, post town and representation will be published. Respond via Braintree's consultation portal, or see the council's Regulation 19 page. Drop-in events, 4pm–8pm:

• Tuesday 13 October — Coggeshall Village Hall, Main Hall

• Tuesday 20 October — online webinar, 6pm–7pm, registration required

• Wednesday 21 October — Halstead Queens Hall

• Monday 26 October — Feering Community Centre

• Wednesday 28 October — Kelvedon Institute, Main Hall

Colchester Bus Station Interchange at Painters Yard — closes 8 November 2026. Team Colchester, the partnership of Essex County Council and Colchester City Council, is consulting on the need for a new interchange, its location and two layout concepts. The consultation opened on 29 September. The council release gives a cost range of £20 million to £25 million. Respond via Essex Highways.

Tendring Charitable Collections Policy and Scrap Metal Policy — both close 26 December 2026. Details are on Tendring's consultations page.

Tendring ePetition, "Wheelie bins for recycling not boxes" — open until 31 January 2027. One signature is recorded; 200 signatures trigger a Full Council debate. Sign or view the petition.

COMING UP

• Thursday 1 October, 10.30am — North Essex Parking Partnership Joint Committee, Grand Jury Room, Colchester: traffic regulation order applications, a financial update, permits, fees and charges, workforce planning, a reorganisation update and the forward plan (see Your Money and Jobs & Tenders)

• Thursday 1 October, 5.00pm — Braintree District Local Highways Panel, Council Chamber

• Thursday 1 October, 6.00pm — Colchester Planning Committee, Grand Jury Room: five bungalows on land west of Carshalton End (260883), with authority to approve recommended subject to a Unilateral Undertaking and the application called in on grounds of overdevelopment; repair and conservation of the West Tower of the Natural History Museum, High Street (261422 and 261423), recommended for approval; and changes to the planning scheme of delegation

• October — Colchester's wheeled bin and simpler recycling rollout reaches about 19,000 more households, finishing by March 2027 (council news release)

• Tuesday 6 October, 7.15pm — Braintree Planning Committee, Council Chamber

• Tuesday 6 October, 7.30pm — Tendring Community Leadership Overview and Scrutiny Committee: a referred motion on special educational needs and disabilities, and changes to a previous decision on town and parish councils for Clacton-on-Sea, Holland-on-Sea and West Clacton & Jaywick Sands

• Thursday 8 October, 10am — Tendring Audit Committee: the external auditor's interim annual report, the process for making and recording delegated planning decisions, and the Building Safety Regulator inspection review

• Tuesday 13 October — Colchester Scrutiny Panel

• Wednesday 14 October — Colchester Full Council

• Wednesday 14 October, 5pm — Tendring Planning Committee

• Thursday 15 October — Colchester Planning Committee

• Tuesday 20 October — Colchester Crime and Disorder

• Wednesday 21 October — Colchester Cabinet

• Monday 26 October, 7.15pm — Braintree Council

• Tuesday 3 November — Colchester LGR Transformation and Transition Panel

HOW IT WORKS

Permission in principle

Two applications in this issue ask for permission in principle: one self-build dwelling at Alresford (26/00874/PIP), considered by Tendring's Planning Committee on 29 September, and one or two dwellings at St Osyth (26/01487/PIP), validated on 24 September.

The government's guidance describes permission in principle as a route that establishes whether a site is suitable in principle for housing-led development. It considers only three matters: location, land use and the amount of development. It has two stages. The first is permission in principle itself. The second, technical details consent, is the stage that gives planning permission.

The guidance states that the council should decide within 5 weeks of a valid application unless the period is extended. It sets out that an application is publicised by a site notice and an online notice, each for 14 days, and that consultees have 14 days to respond. A permission in principle lasts 3 years.

Source: GOV.UK — Permission in principle

Correction, 23 October 2026: this issue gives 1 April 2028 as the current stated date for a new council. That date came from the Government decision of March 2026, which was withdrawn on 7 September 2026. The Government is reviewing the programme and has published no replacement timetable.

The Colchester, Tendring & Braintree Briefing is published by Verified Brief. All information is drawn from publicly available sources including council minutes, planning records, procurement registers, and official government publications. Links go directly to primary source documents. Nothing in this newsletter constitutes opinion, legal advice, or political commentary.