Issue 6, 2nd - 8th October, 2026

Welcome to issue 6 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. Braintree's outdoor table tennis consultation closes at 5pm on 16 October. Tendring's Local Plan Review closes on 19 October.

• ⚠️ Coming Up — Tendring's Full Council meets on 13 October. Colchester's Planning Committee meets on 15 October to consider a new community centre at Camulos Academy.

• In the Chamber — Tendring's Planning Committee resolved to secure a Section 106 agreement and authorise outline permission for up to 30 dwellings at Elmstead, according to its published minutes.

• In the Chamber — Colchester's Planning Committee delegated the decision on five bungalows at Carshalton End to officers and approved repairs to the West Tower of the Natural History Museum.

• Planning Watch — Braintree's Planning Committee approved solar panels at Silver End Village Hall, according to the council's news release.

• Your Money — Braintree's Cabinet agreed its 2027–28 budget strategy. The minutes record projected annual shortfalls of £1.1 million in 2027–28 and £1.3 million in 2028–29.

• Jobs & Tenders — Braintree's Cabinet approved a £1,804,215 contract for seven refuse collection vehicles. Colchester proposed a contract award for flat roof replacement on housing blocks; the report is exempt.

• The Countdown — 541 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

£1,804,215

The total value of contract EPPO376, which Braintree District Council's Cabinet approved on 28 September for seven replacement 26-tonne refuse collection vehicles from Dennis Eagle Ltd. The minutes record a direct award through a recognised framework, delivery in autumn 2027, and that current manufacturing lead times exceed 52 weeks. Cabinet delegated the method of financing to the Section 151 Officer. The decision is subject to call-in until 12 October. See Jobs & Tenders.

Source: Braintree District Council — Cabinet, 28 September 2026, minutes

IN THE CHAMBER

TENDRING PLANNING COMMITTEE OF 29 SEPTEMBER (Committee — planning, outcomes now published)

Tendring's Planning Committee met on 29 September. Its minutes were published on 6 October and record the outcomes of the four items reported in our last issue.

• Elmstead (26/00287/OUT). Outline application by Welbeck Strategic Land IV LLP for up to 30 dwellings on land north of Colchester Road. The committee resolved to secure a Section 106 agreement and authorise outline permission, with refusal authorised if the obligations are not secured within 12 months. The minutes record that the site lies outside but abuts the settlement boundary, within a Green Landscape Buffer in the neighbourhood plan and a draft Strategic Green Gap; that there were no consultee objections; that the report was updated for the National Planning Policy Framework of 17 August 2026; that 12 further objection letters were received; and that the site access plan was changed, with double yellow lines. No decision notice appears on the council's schedule for the week ending 2 October.

• Clacton (26/00727/FUL). Temporary boat hall for seven years for the Royal National Lifeboat Institution's lifeboat at the Hastings Avenue car park. Approved unanimously, with authority to grant. The register records the decision on 1 October.

• Alresford (26/00874/PIP). Permission in principle for one self-build dwelling on land east of 3 Orchard View, Wivenhoe Road. Authorised unanimously. The register records the decision on 30 September. See How It Works in our last issue for how permission in principle operates.

• Clacton Leisure Centre (26/00883/FUL). Approved. Our last issue reported this outcome from the council's news release. The register records the decision on 30 September.

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

TENDRING OFFICER AND PORTFOLIO HOLDER DECISIONS (Delegated decisions)

• Former Cash Office, 14a Waddesdon Road, Harwich. Two Portfolio Holders approved starting the property dealing procedure to convert the vacant former Cash Office into a two-bedroom accessible home, transferring it from the General Fund to the Housing Revenue Account, and submitting a planning application. The decision was taken on 25 August and published on 2 October. The call-in deadline is 9 October and the decision comes into force on 10 October if not called in. The record gives the building as vacant for several years and cites a shortage of accessible housing. (decision record)

• Seafront Micro Venue, CRP2 Ten_10. A Corporate Director decision, published 5 October, instructed early installation of site hoarding ahead of the main construction contract. A second decision, published 7 October, instructed early works comprising site set-up, welfare installation, fencing, logistics, protection to the public area and retained fabric, and soft strip. Both give the aim of avoiding any impact on the start of the 2027 Beach Patrol season, are funded through the Community Regeneration Partnership with the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government, and are not key decisions or subject to call-in. The decision texts do not state a value. (hoarding, early works)

• Complaints policy. An officer decision amended the Corporate and Housing Complaints Policy following the Housing Ombudsman. (decision record)

• Unilateral Undertakings. Decisions were published for 26/00815/FUL at 36A St Osyth Road (decision record) and 24/00390/FUL at High Birch Farmhouse, Weeley (decision record). The legal agreement on RAMS for the Weeley application was completed on 2 October (26/00047/S106).

TENDRING COMMITTEES THIS WEEK (Committee — agendas)

• Community Leadership Overview and Scrutiny Committee, 6 October. The agenda included a motion referred from Full Council on Oliver McGowan mandatory training on learning disability and autism for school staff, which returns to Full Council on 24 November, and a report on the initial term of office for the town and parish councils planned for Clacton-on-Sea, Holland-on-Sea and West Clacton & Jaywick Sands from 1 April 2027. The council decided on 2 June that the initial term would be five years; the committee was invited to consider recommending three years and an alternative timeline to Full Council on 13 October. Minutes were not published when this issue was compiled. (agenda)

• Audit Committee, 8 October, 10am. The agenda includes the external auditor's interim annual report for the year ended 31 March 2026; a periodic Internal Audit report for June to September 2026 with a counter-fraud update and the Internal Audit Charter; improvements to how delegated planning decisions are made and recorded, following a Monitoring Officer investigation of a formal complaint from a resident; the Building Safety Regulator inspection review; and a late report on a new Corporate Assurance and Risk Management Framework. (agenda)

COLCHESTER PLANNING COMMITTEE OF 1 OCTOBER (Committee — planning)

Colchester's Planning Committee met on 1 October. Its minutes are published on the meeting page.

• Land west of Carshalton End (260883). Five bungalows, called in by a ward councillor. The committee deferred the application with delegation to officers to determine it after making all reasonable endeavours to explore an alternative access from Straight Road, completing the Equality Impact Assessment and securing the legal agreement. The vote was 10 for, none against and 2 abstentions. Revised conditions were recorded: a resident liaison and complaints procedure (condition 5), no Saturday working (condition 7) and an archaeology information board (condition 15). The application does not appear in the decided list for the week beginning 28 September.

• Natural History Museum, High Street (261422, 261423). Repair and conservation of the West Tower, as planning permission and listed building consent. Approved unanimously. The register records both as decided on 2 October.

• Planning Scheme of Delegation. The committee considered amendments to comply with the Town and Country Planning (Discharge of Local Planning Authority Functions) (England) Regulations 2026 and the National Scheme of Delegation. The changes must be made by 31 October to take effect on 1 November 2026. The committee formally recorded concerns about democratic oversight, and approved the recommendations unanimously.

Sources: Colchester City Council — Planning Committee, 1 October 2026, minutes · meeting page

COLCHESTER PORTFOLIO HOLDER DECISIONS (Delegated decisions)

• Modern Slavery Transparency Statement 2025-26. A Portfolio Holder decision for Communities and Public Protection, status Decision Proposed, to be implemented after 5pm on 7 October. It is not a key decision. The report is the Lilac Modern Slavery Statement 2025-26. (decision record)

• Flat roofs on housing blocks. The second decision on the register for 2 to 8 October is a contract award, reported under Jobs & Tenders.

BRAINTREE CABINET OF 28 SEPTEMBER (Cabinet — minutes published)

Braintree's Cabinet met on 28 September. The minutes were published on 5 October, and the call-in period for decisions marked with ** expires on 12 October. Four further decisions involving money or contracts are reported in full under Your Money and Jobs & Tenders: the refuse vehicle contract, the Section 106 award for Cressing, the temporary accommodation extension and the budget strategy.

• Climate Change Annual Report 2025/26. Cabinet noted the report. The minutes record 104 actions completed since the 2019/20 baseline, 44 still active in the 2025/26 plan, a reduction of 538 tCO₂e in organisational emissions, £878,000 of avoided electricity costs since 2019, 89% of council-managed lighting now LED, and at least four electric vehicle charging points at every council-managed car park.

• Planning Enforcement Plan. Cabinet adopted the revised plan for immediate implementation. Ward members are to be notified when an enforcement complaint is received in their ward, with updates on whether it is substantiated, any action taken and closure of the case. The notifications are for information only.

• First Quarter Performance Management Report 2026-27. Cabinet noted the report. Of 33 corporate projects, 32 were on target and one, the Witham Community Centre, was rated amber because of a potential delay in approval of a Section 50 licence from Essex Highways. Of 16 performance indicators, nine met or exceeded target and seven did not; the seven are fly-tips cleared within 24 hours, the Council Tax collection rate, affordable homes delivered, planning applications overturned on appeal, Disabled Facilities Grants approved in time, average call-answer time and Stage 1 complaints resolved in time. The minutes attribute the contact and complaints pressure to the new household waste collection service that began in June 2026. The forecast overspend for the year is £52,000 and capital spending in the quarter was £5.3 million.

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

BRAINTREE FULL COUNCIL OF 30 SEPTEMBER (Council — outcomes not published)

Braintree's Full Council met on 30 September. Its meeting page records the meeting as having occurred, and only the agenda is published. The agenda included the Leader's announcements on Cabinet arrangements and appointments taking effect from 30 September, Council appointments, Constitution updates covering Scrutiny Committee terms of reference and the rules on motions, and a report for noting on a special urgency decision to award a contract for a financial system (see Jobs & Tenders). The council's news release of 1 October states that a further £100,000 for Pride in Place was announced at the meeting, for 12 months from October 2026, and that Pride in Neighbourhood days are extended to March 2027 (news release). Other outcomes are not published.

Source: Braintree District Council — Council, 30 September 2026, meeting page

PLANNING WATCH

This section covers planning applications validated and decided in the two most recent complete portal weeks, 21 September – 4 October 2026. The week of 21 to 27 September was covered in our last issue for Colchester and Tendring and is not repeated here. Everything below for those two districts is from 28 September – 4 October 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 September – 4 October are therefore not listed in this issue. The two committee items below are taken from the agenda of Braintree's Planning Committee of 6 October and the council's news release of 7 October. 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 2 October was published in a readable form, including the parish-by-parish "no determination" rows. Nineteen parishes had no determinations that week, among them Lawford, Manningtree and Wrabness. Discharges of conditions and Section 106 agreements decided that week appear on the council's register but not on the schedule; their outcomes are taken from each application's own page. Eight tree works applications validated and four tree notifications decided are not listed, in line with this briefing's standing scope. (Applications Determined, week ending 2 October 2026)

Coverage note — Colchester. Colchester's weekly lists for the week beginning 28 September were read in full: 20 applications received and 24 decided. Two tree works applications received are not listed, in line with this briefing's standing scope. Four decision notices that our last issue noted as missing from the decided list for the week beginning 21 September (260743, 260876, 260741 and 261283) were not on that list when it was read again, and remain unlisted.

BRAINTREE — FULL ENTRIES

SOLAR PANELS AT SILVER END VILLAGE HALL APPROVED (Full — council-applicant, approved)

Braintree's Planning Committee approved, on 6 October, Braintree District Council's application to remove the tank room and install solar panels with associated cabling at Silver End Village Hall, Broadway, Silver End (26/01018/FUL). The application was valid from 29 July 2026 and the officer recommendation was to grant subject to conditions. The council's news release states that 123 panels will be installed on the flat roof on angled frames, that the village hall lies in the Silver End Conservation Area, that contractors already on site will begin installation in November 2026, and that the work forms part of a £1.5 million programme to modernise community assets. The minutes of the meeting were not published when this issue was compiled.

Sources: Braintree District Council — news release, 7 October 2026 · Planning Committee, 6 October 2026, meeting page and agenda

NEW SCHOOL BUILDING AT ST ANDREW'S JUNIOR SCHOOL, HATFIELD PEVEREL (Full — school redevelopment, outcome not published)

Braintree's Planning Committee considered, on 6 October, an application for demolition of the junior school building and former caretaker's house at Hatfield Peverel St Andrew's Junior School, Church Road, and a part single-storey, part two-storey school building with servery, landscaping, play areas, a multi-use games area, canopies and parking (26/01724/FUL). The application was valid from 4 August 2026 and the officer recommendation was to grant subject to conditions. The outcome has not been published. A tree preservation order application at Nether Court, Halstead (26/01511/TPO) was also on the agenda and is not listed, in line with this briefing's standing scope.

Source: Braintree District Council — Planning Committee, 6 October 2026, meeting page and agenda

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 September and 4 October will be carried in our next issue if the register becomes readable.

TENDRING — FULL ENTRIES

MODULAR NURSERY AT FROBISHER PRIMARY SCHOOL, JAYWICK, APPROVED (Full — school, permanent retention, approved)

Tendring approved on 2 October permanent retention, refurbishment and alteration of an existing modular building to provide nursery accommodation at Frobisher Primary School, Frobisher Drive, Jaywick, with internal reconfiguration, replacement doors and windows, external cladding, an access ramp, a canopy and fencing (26/00978/FUL).

Source: Tendring District Council planning register — 26/00978/FUL

CHILDREN'S HOME PROPOSED AT 74 CHELMSFORD ROAD, HOLLAND-ON-SEA (Change of use — C3 to C2, validated)

An application to change the use of 74 Chelmsford Road, Holland-on-Sea, from a dwelling (Use Class C3) to a children's home (Use Class C2) was validated on 29 September (26/01531/FUL).

Source: Tendring District Council planning register — 26/01531/FUL

TENDRING — NEW HOMES ROUND-UP

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

• Eight dwellings in outline, all matters reserved, at Floreat, Bradfield Road, Wix — validated (26/01462/OUT)

• Detached three-bedroom bungalow on land adjacent to Oakwood Inn, Frinton Road, Holland-on-Sea — validated (26/01514/FUL)

• Self-build dwelling at Roline, Harwich Road, Great Bromley, in place of a Class Q barn conversion (25/00928/COUNOT) — approved (26/01152/FUL)

• Pair of semi-detached dwellings at 52 Beach Way, Jaywick — refused (26/00737/FUL)

• Conversion of the ground floor of Rose & Thorn, 469 Main Road, Harwich, from café to residential — prior approval validated (26/01438/COUNOT)

• One self-contained flat at 27 High Street, Clacton-on-Sea — prior approval validated (26/01150/COUNOT)

Source: Tendring planning register

TENDRING — COMMUNITY AND COMMERCIAL ROUND-UP

• Extension to the sales building of the petrol filling station at Morrisons, Centenary Way, Clacton-on-Sea, for a hot food takeaway, with kitchen extraction, lockers, a floodlight, a relocated bin store and forecourt works — validated (26/01530/FUL)

• Two-storey building with flexible Class E commercial use at ground floor and offices, storage and staff facilities above, land on the north side of Olivers Road, Clacton-on-Sea — validated (26/01435/FUL)

• Lawful development certificate for the existing use of Wellwick House, 100 Colchester Road, St Osyth, as a care home (Use Class C2) — validated (26/01535/LUEX)

• Prior approval for an agricultural general-purpose grain, potato and machinery store at Admirals Farm, Heckfords Road, Great Bentley — validated (26/01512/AGRIC)

• Variation of conditions 7 and 8 of 19/01520/FUL at Unit 1 Colonels Place, Ipswich Road, to extend trading hours and allow third-party delivery collections after 19:00 — approved (26/01140/VOC)

• Two freestanding entrance signs at the Greenacres entrance to Dovercourt Holiday Park, Low Road, Dovercourt — validated (26/01551/ADV)

• Four decals of the Shannon class lifeboat at the Hastings Avenue car park, Clacton-on-Sea — approved (26/00747/ADV)

• New terminal pole, stay wire and low-voltage underground cable, Old Ipswich Road, Ardleigh — overhead lines application validated (26/01545/OHL)

Source: Tendring planning register

TENDRING — CONDITIONS AND AGREEMENTS ROUND-UP

• Discharge of conditions on materials, landscaping and biodiversity enhancement at 8 Harold Road, Frinton-on-Sea — validated (26/01522/DISCON)

• Discharge of a cycle parking sheds condition at 757 St John's Road and Rouses Farm, Jaywick Lane, Clacton-on-Sea — validated (26/01528/DISCON)

• Discharge of a RAMS condition at 29–31 Pier Avenue, Clacton-on-Sea — validated (26/01472/DISCON)

• Request for confirmation of compliance with all conditions at Capitol Gardens, 45 Manor Lane, Dovercourt, approved at appeal (19/00249/FUL) — validated (26/01503/COMCON)

• Legal agreement on RAMS for 25/00591/VOC at Apple Blossom Paddocks, Brightlingsea Road, Thorrington — validated (26/01538/S106)

• Variation of condition 2 of 26/00535/FULHH at 17 Connaught Gardens West, Clacton-on-Sea, to change the dwelling's finish from render to brick — validated (26/01485/VOC)

• Non-material amendment to use render instead of timber boarding at 8 The Green, Mistley — validated (26/01360/NMA)

• Discharge of seven conditions, including vehicular turning, surface water, archaeology and construction methodology, on land west of Michaelstowe Old House, Ramsey Road, Ramsey — approved (26/01322/DISCON)

• Discharge of cycle parking and ventilation and extraction conditions at 54 Connaught Avenue, Frinton-on-Sea — approved (26/01166/DISCON)

• Discharge of a vehicle parking area condition at Oak Lodge, Hall Road, Great Bromley — approved (26/01085/DISCON)

• Legal agreement on RAMS at the day nursery at 93 Fronks Road, Dovercourt — completed (26/01459/S106)

• Legal agreement on RAMS for 24/00390/FUL at High Birch Farmhouse, Weeley — completed (26/00047/S106)

• Variation of conditions on approved drawings, RAMS, biodiversity enhancement and occupation for 25/00261/FUL at Saxons, 105 Holland Road, Clacton-on-Sea — approved (26/01235/VOC)

• Variation of condition 2 of 24/01895/FULHH at Crossways, Thorpe Road, Little Clacton, to change the location of a garage — approved (26/01110/VOC)

• Non-material amendment to relocate a glass balustrade by 1 metre at 132 Connaught Avenue, Frinton-on-Sea — approved (26/01383/NMA)

Source: Tendring planning register

TENDRING — PRIOR APPROVALS AND OTHER DECISIONS ROUND-UP

• Prior approval for a 6-metre single-storey rear larger home extension at 37 Crown Road, Clacton-on-Sea — validated (26/01525/HHPNOT)

• Prior approval for change of use of Barn 2 to a light industrial workshop for a one-person agricultural welding and fabrication business, land rear of The Lodge, Lodge Lane, Tendring — prior approval required; the schedule records the application as refused, 2 October (26/01237/COUNOT)

• Lawful development certificate for a roof terrace at 42 Alfred Terrace, Walton-on-the-Naze — validated (26/01540/LUEX)

• Lawful development certificate for a loft conversion with a rear dormer and front roof lights at 3 Harcourt Avenue, Dovercourt — granted (26/01211/LUPROP)

• Lawful development certificate for a loft conversion with two side dormers at 142 Fronks Road, Dovercourt — granted (26/01176/LUPROP)

Source: Tendring planning register

TENDRING — FULL REGISTER (52 APPLICATIONS)

| ADDRESS | DESCRIPTION |

| 132 Connaught Avenue Frinton On Sea Essex CO13 9AD — 26/01383/NMA | Non Material Amendment to 24/01673/VOC - Glass balustrade to be relocated by 1m at the second floor terrace — approved |

| 14 Sycamore Way Kirby Cross Frinton On Sea Essex CO13 0QW — 26/01518/FULHH | Single storey rear extension (following removal of rear conservatory) and solar panels to rear roof slope — validated |

| 142 Fronks Road Dovercourt Harwich Essex CO12 4EF — 26/01176/LUPROP | Application for Lawful Development Certificate for Proposed Use or Development for loft conversion with two side dormers to form habitable space. Installation of pitched roof windows to side facing roof slopes. Replacement of existing window to rear gable wall — lawful use certificate granted |

| 142 Fronks Road Dovercourt Harwich Essex CO12 4EF — 26/01179/FULHH | Part single storey and part double storey extension. Mono pitch roof to existing garage and covered entrance to main dwelling and garage — approved |

| 15 Wade Reach Walton On The Naze Essex CO14 8RG — 26/01517/FULHH | Erection of a single-storey side extension to be used as an annex ancillary to the dwelling. Removal of existing brick built wall and replace with close board fencing formed closer to the highway — validated |

| 16 Halstead Road Kirby Cross Frinton On Sea Essex CO13 0LW — 26/01238/FULHH | Proposed single storey rear extension (following demolition of existing extension) — approved |

| 17 Connaught Gardens West Clacton On Sea Essex CO15 6HX — 26/01485/VOC | Application under Section 73 of the Town and Country Planning Act for Variation of Conditions 2 (Approved Plan and Documents) of 26/00535/FULHH to allow alteration of external appearance of the dwelling from render to brick — validated |

| 27 High Street Clacton On Sea Essex CO15 1AU — 26/01150/COUNOT | Prior Approval Application under Part 3, Class G of the Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) (England) Order 2015 (as amended) for refurbishment and reconfiguration of existing property to create one self-contained flat — validated |

| 29 - 31 Pier Avenue Clacton On Sea Essex CO15 1QE — 26/01472/DISCON | Discharge of conditions application for 26/00882/COUNOT - Condition 3 (RAMS) — validated |

| 3 Harcourt Avenue Dovercourt Harwich Essex CO12 4NT — 26/01211/LUPROP | Application for Lawful Development Certificate for Proposed Use or Development for conversion of existing loft space to habitable accommodation, including the construction of a rear dormer roof extension and the installation of roof lights to the front roof slope — lawful use certificate granted |

| 37 Crown Road Clacton On Sea Essex CO15 1AU — 26/01525/HHPNOT | Application to Determine if Prior Approval is Required for a Proposed Larger Home Extension - Single-storey rear extension measuring 6m in depth, 3.55m high and 2.2m at the eaves, assessed under the Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) (England) Order 2015 (as amended) Schedule 2, Part 1, Class A — validated |

| 42 Alfred Terrace Walton On The Naze Essex CO14 8PB — 26/01540/LUEX | Application for Lawful Development Certificate for Existing Use or Development for roof terrace — validated |

| 44 York Road Holland On Sea Clacton On Sea Essex CO15 5NN — 26/01180/FUL | Single-storey front/side infill extension — approved |

| 52 Beach Way Jaywick Clacton On Sea Essex CO15 2HJ — 26/00737/FUL | Pair of semi detached dwellings and associated external works — refused |

| 54 Connaught Avenue Frinton On Sea Essex CO13 9PR — 26/01166/DISCON | Discharge of Conditions Application for 25/00869/FUL - Condition 3 (Cycle Parking) and Condition 5 (Ventilation and Extraction Equipment) — approved |

| 57 Dockfield Avenue Dovercourt Harwich Essex CO12 4LF — 26/01229/FULHH | Conversion of garage into habitable space. Removal of garage door and infilling structural opening with brick work and window — approved |

| 6 Holland Road Frinton On Sea Essex CO13 9DH — 26/01258/FUL | Relevant demolition of picket fence and gates — approved |

| 6 Holland Road Frinton On Sea Essex CO13 9DH — 26/01343/FULHH | Rear dormer — validated |

| 74 Chelmsford Road Holland On Sea Clacton On Sea Essex CO15 5DJ — 26/01531/FUL | Proposed change of use of the existing property from C3 to C2 (children's home) — validated |

| 8 Harold Road Frinton On Sea Essex CO13 9BE — 26/01522/DISCON | Discharge of conditions application for 26/00293/FUL - Condition 10 (Agreement of Materials), Condition 11 (Landscaping Scheme), and Condition 13 (Biodiversity Enhancement Strategy) — validated |

| 8 The Green Mistley Manningtree Essex CO11 1EU — 26/01360/NMA | Non Material Amendment to 21/01659/FULHH - Use of render instead of timber boarding — validated |

| Admirals Farm Heckfords Road Great Bentley Colchester Essex CO7 8RS — 26/01512/AGRIC | Application to determine if prior approval is required under Part 6, Class A of the Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) (England) Order 2015 (as amended) for erection of an agricultural general-purpose grain, potato and machinery store — validated |

| Apple Blossom Paddocks Brightlingsea Road Thorrington Essex CO7 8JL — 26/01538/S106 | Legal Agreement in relation to RAMS for application reference 25/00591/VOC (Request for Legal Team to PREPARE Agreement) — validated |

| Capitol Gardens 45 Manor Lane Dovercourt Harwich Essex CO12 4EA — 26/01503/COMCON | Request for written confirmation of compliance with all conditions relating to application 19/00249/FUL (approved at appeal: APP/P1560/W/19/3243900) — validated |

| Car Park Hastings Avenue Clacton On Sea Essex CO15 1AH — 26/00747/ADV | 4no. Decals of the elevations of the Shannon Class lifeboat — approved |

| Car Park Hastings Avenue Clacton On Sea Essex CO15 1AW — 26/00727/FUL | Temporary structure for a term of 7 years. A robust structure to act as a temporary boathall has been proposed to allow protection for the Shannon class lifeboat and tractor from the elements due to the exposed location, as well as a measure of security — approved |

| Clacton Leisure Centre Vista Road Clacton On Sea Essex CO15 6DB — 26/00883/FUL | Construction of a community ride and play facility comprising, pump track, learn to ride area, play area, facilities building, tennis courts, padel courts with canopies, fencing and floodlighting, and including associated hard and soft landscaping works, SuDS and infrastructure — approved |

| Crossways Thorpe Road Little Clacton Clacton On Sea Essex CO16 9RZ — 26/01110/VOC | Application under Section 73 of the Town and Country Planning Act for Variation of Condition 2 (Approved Plans) of 24/01895/FULHH to enable location of garage to be changed — approved |

| Day Nursery at 93 Fronks Road Dovercourt Harwich Essex CO12 4EQ — 26/01459/S106 | Legal Agreement in relation to RAMS for application reference 26/00545/COUNOT — legal agreement completed |

| Dovercourt Haven Caravan Park Low Road Dovercourt Harwich Essex CO12 3TZ — 26/01551/ADV | 2 no. freestanding entrance signs at the Greenacres entrance to Dovercourt Holiday Park — validated |

| Filomena House First Avenue Frinton On Sea Essex CO13 9HA — 26/01246/FULHH | External rendering of the existing dwelling front and rear elevations, erection of a double garage with side storage and replacement of the existing ramp to the right-hand raised patio with steps — approved |

| Floreat Bradfield Road Wix Manningtree Essex CO11 2SJ — 26/01462/OUT | Outline Planning Application (all matters reserved) - Eight residential dwellings — validated |

| Frobisher Primary School Frobisher Drive Jaywick Clacton On Sea Essex CO15 2QH — 26/00978/FUL | Permanent retention, refurbishment and alteration of existing modular building to provide nursery accommodation associated including internal reconfiguration, replacement doors and windows, external cladding, access ramp, canopy, fencing and associated works — approved |

| High Birch Farmhouse High Birch Road Weeley Clacton On Sea Essex CO16 9BU — 26/00047/S106 | Legal Agreement in relation to RAMS for application reference 24/00390/FUL — legal agreement completed |

| Land adjacent Oakwood Inn Frinton Road Holland On Sea Clacton On Sea Essex CO15 5UT — 26/01514/FUL | Detached 3 Bedroom Bungalow — validated |

| Land at 757 St John's Road and Rouses Farm Jaywick Lane Clacton On Sea Essex CO16 8BJ — 26/01528/DISCON | Discharge of conditions application for 24/00712/DETAIL - Condition 14 (Details of Sheds for Cycle Parking) — validated |

| Land East of 3 Orchard View Wivenhoe Road Alresford Colchester Essex CO7 8BD — 26/00874/PIP | Application for Permission in Principle - One self-build dwelling — approved |

| Land On The North Side of Olivers Road Clacton On Sea Essex — 26/01435/FUL | Erection of a two-storey building comprising flexible Class E commercial use at ground level, with ancillary office, storage, and staff facilities at first floor level, together with associated pedestrian access — validated |

| Land rear of The Lodge Lodge Lane Tendring Clacton On Sea Essex CO16 0BS — 26/01237/COUNOT | Prior Approval Application under Part 3, Class R of the Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) (England) Order 2015 (as amended) for change of use of Barn 2 to a Class E(g)(iii) light industrial workshop for a one-person agricultural welding and fabrication business — prior approval required; application recorded as refused |

| Land to The West of Michaelstowe Old House Ramsey Road Ramsey Harwich Essex CO12 5EW — 26/01322/DISCON | Discharge of Conditions Application for 24/00040/OUT - Condition 5 (Vehicular Turning Facility), Condition 7 (Discharge of Surface Water), Condition 8 (Residential Travel Info Pack), Condition 11 (Scheme of Archaeological Evaluation), Condition 12 (Archaeology Evaluation of the Site), Condition 16 (Biodiversity Enhancement Strategy) and Condition 18 (Construction Methodology and Timetable) — approved |

| Lily Pad Cottage Colchester Road Wix Manningtree Essex CO11 2RR — 26/01534/FULHH | Proposed two storey and single storey rear extension — validated |

| Magnolia Cottage 58 Weeley Road Little Clacton Clacton On Sea Essex CO16 9EN — 26/01508/FULHH | Installation of second vehicular access to highway — validated |

| Oak Lodge Hall Road Great Bromley Colchester Essex CO7 7TY — 26/01085/DISCON | Discharge of Conditions Application for 25/01795/FUL - Condition 3 (Vehicle Parking Area) — approved |

| Old Ipswich Road Ardleigh Essex CO7 7YT — 26/01545/OHL | Overhead Lines Application - Install new terminal pole, stay wire and LV underground cable — validated |

| Petrol Filling Station Morrisons Supermarket Centenary Way Clacton On Sea Essex CO16 9SB — 26/01530/FUL | Extension to the existing petrol filling station's sales building to facilitate a hot food takeaway (Sui Generis), installation of kitchen extraction equipment, provision of new lockers, a floodlight, relocation of an existing bin store, associated highways and forecourt works — validated |

| Portland Lodge Dead Lane Ardleigh Colchester Essex CO7 7PF — 26/01236/FULHH | Single storey additions — approved |

| Roline Harwich Road Great Bromley Colchester Essex CO7 7UL — 26/01152/FUL | Erection of a self-build dwelling (in lieu of 25/00928/COUNOT for the change of use of an agricultural building into a dwelling under Schedule 2, part 3, Class Q of the GPDO) — approved |

| Rose & Thorn 469 Main Road Harwich Essex CO12 4HT — 26/01438/COUNOT | Prior Approval Application under Part 3, Class MA of the Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) (England) Order 2015 (as amended) to convert ground floor of 2 storey building from existing cafe to residential — validated |

| Saxons 105 Holland Road Clacton On Sea Essex CO15 6HB — 26/01235/VOC | Application under Section 73 of the Town and Country Planning Act for Variation of Condition 2 (Approved Drawings/Documents), Condition 3 (RAMS), Condition 8 (Biodiversity Enhancement Strategy), and Condition 10 (Occupation) of application 25/00261/FUL — approved |

| Tinkers Lodge Tinker Street Ramsey Harwich Essex CO12 5LR — 26/01253/FULHH | Exterior cladding — validated |

| Unit 1 Colonels Place Ipswich Road Colchester Essex CO4 9HB — 26/01140/VOC | Application under Section 73 of the Town and Country Planning Act for Variation of Conditions 7 (Operating Hours) and Condition 8 (Delivery Times) of application 19/01520/FUL to enable extended trading hours and third-party delivery aggregators to collect orders for delivery after 19:00 — approved |

| Wellwick House 100 Colchester Road St Osyth Clacton On Sea Essex CO16 8HB — 26/01535/LUEX | Application for Lawful Development Certificate for Existing Use or Development for use of site as a care home (Use Class C2) — validated |

COLCHESTER — FULL ENTRIES

FIVE FLATS AT 16 HIGH STREET REFUSED (Change of use and conversion — five apartments, refused)

Colchester refused on 29 September a full application for change of use and conversion of the upper floors of 16 High Street to five residential apartments, retaining flexible Class E commercial accommodation at ground floor (261435). An application for two security roller shutters inside the commercial premises at the same address (261741) was reported in our last issue.

Source: Colchester City Council planning register — 261435

CO-OPERATIVE BANK, ALBERT HALL, HIGH STREET, APPROVED (Listed building — refurbishment, approved with conditions)

Colchester approved with conditions on 1 October both an upgrade to existing modern external elevation elements (261309) and listed building consent for internal and external elevation and refurbishment works to the existing bank premises (261310) at the Co-operative Bank, Albert Hall, High Street.

Source: Colchester City Council planning register — 261310

COLCHESTER — NEW HOMES AND CHANGE OF USE ROUND-UP

• Conversion of Hill House Barn, Hill House Farm, 157 Colchester Road, West Bergholt, to a dwellinghouse — validated (261777)

• Detached single-storey dwelling on land off Armoury Road, West Bergholt — validated (261781)

• Change of use of 1 Kolo Walk, Colchester, from office to a three-bedroom dwelling — validated (261764)

• Demolition of a disused storage unit and a one-bedroom dwelling on land north of 4 Churchfields, West Mersea — refused (261433)

• Prior approval for two flats in the second floor roof space at 1 St Runwalds Street, Colchester — prior approval required (approved) (261472)

• Change of use from a residential house to a holiday let at Abbotts Hall Cottages, Maldon Road, Great Wigborough — approved with conditions (261401)

• Change of use of an agricultural barn (chicken coop) to an indoor air rifle range at Messing Park Farm, Tiptree Road, Messing — approved with conditions (261121)

Source: Colchester planning register

COLCHESTER — CONDITIONS AND AGREEMENTS ROUND-UP

• Discharge of conditions 3, 5, 7, 8, 9, 15 and 21 of 251930 at The Headway Centre, Woodland Walk, Colchester — approved (260283)

• Discharge of conditions 4 and 5 of 260811 at 16 The Glade, Colchester — approved (261489)

• Discharge of conditions on timber frame and removal of fabric at Street Farm, London Road, Stanway — split decision (260633)

• Discharge of nine conditions of 241877 at Old Joscelyns, Water Lane, Little Horkesley — approved (242425)

• Discharge of conditions on materials, construction management and soil testing of 260324 on land rear of 75–77 Canterbury Road, Colchester — approved without conditions (261367)

• Discharge of remediation conditions of 242001 at Hythe Quay, Colchester — approved (261490)

• Approval of details reserved by seven conditions of 260056 on land north of Wyvern Farm, London Road, Stanway — validated (261755)

Source: Colchester planning register

COLCHESTER — SIGNS, SHOPFRONTS AND BUILDING WORKS ROUND-UP

• Heavy-duty rolling security shutter at 22 Long Wyre Street, Colchester — approved with conditions (261177)

• Flex-face illuminated sign and printed window graphics for a gym at Units 1 to 3, Lightship Way, Colchester — validated (261758)

• Reverse vending machine at Aldi, Magdalen Street, Colchester — validated (261754)

• Self-service dog washing facility with enclosure at 1 Queens Corner, West Mersea — validated (261767)

• Accessibility improvements to the Community Centre, 1a Caxton Close, Tiptree, lawful development certificate — validated (261763)

Source: Colchester planning register

COLCHESTER — FULL REGISTER (42 APPLICATIONS)

| ADDRESS | DESCRIPTION |

| 1 Kolo Walk, Colchester CO4 6ER — 261764 | Change of Use from Office to 3 bed dwelling house — validated |

| 1 Queens Corner, West Mersea Colchester CO5 8RG — 261767 | Installation of a self-service dog washing facility with enclosure and associated works — validated |

| 100 Oak Road, Tiptree Colchester CO5 0NA — 261769 | Front, side and rear extension with creation of new first floor over — validated |

| 16 High Street, Colchester CO1 1DA — 261435 | Full Planning Application for the Change of Use and Conversion of the Upper Floors to Provide Five Residential Apartments with Retention of Flexible Class E Commercial Accommodation at Ground Floor — refused |

| 16 The Glade, Colchester CO4 3JD — 261489 | Application for Approval of Details Reserved by Conditions 4 and 5 of 260811 — approved |

| 22 Long Wyre Street, Colchester CO1 1LJ — 261177 | Installation of a heavy-duty rolling security shelter/shutter to the front. The proposed structure will consist of a robust metal security screen/cage capable of being lowered and secured when the premises are closed and retracted during operating hours — approved with conditions |

| 4 Oak Tree Cottages, Brook Road, Aldham Colchester CO6 3RJ — 261470 | Proposed single storey rear extension — approved with conditions |

| 45 Septimus Drive, Colchester CO4 9EU — 261780 | Single storey rear extension — validated |

| 54 Layer Road, Colchester CO2 7JH — 261757 | Single storey side extension — validated |

| 6 Pond Chase, Colchester CO3 4RD — 261454 | Application for a Lawful Development Certificate for proposed garage conversion and loft conversion — certificate of lawful use granted |

| 80 St Johns Road, Colchester CO4 0JL — 261751 | Single storey front / rear extension — validated |

| 81 Cavendish Avenue, Colchester CO2 8BS — 261463 | Rear and side extension — approved with conditions |

| 86 Maldon Road, Tiptree Colchester CO5 0BW — 261766 | Proposed single storey rear addition — validated |

| Abbotts Hall Cottages, Maldon Road, Great Wigborough Colchester CO5 7RZ — 261401 | Change of use from residential house to holiday let — approved with conditions |

| Agricultural barn behind, Messing Park Farm, Tiptree Road, Messing Colchester CO5 9TG — 261121 | Change of use from agricultural barn (chicken coop) to an indoor air rifle range (less than 12 ft-lbs) — approved with conditions |

| Alcrofts Farm, Bures Road, West Bergholt Colchester CO6 3DW — 252498 | Proposed single storey annex — approved with conditions |

| Aldi Supermarket, Magdalen Street, Colchester CO1 2FJ — 261754 | Erection of 1no. reverse vending machine — validated |

| Braiswick Farm, Braiswick Lane, Colchester CO4 5ED — 261759 | Removal of non-original fireplace brickwork and timber lintel. Replacement of damaged timber lintel. Part removal of repaired internal masonry wall and replacement of timber lintel — validated |

| Clifton House, Chapel Road, Wivenhoe Colchester CO7 9DX — 261756 | Alterations to chimney, re-roofing of existing side studio, replacement of conservatory with garden extension, with small veranda roof linking the two — validated |

| Community Centre, 1a Caxton Close, Tiptree Colchester CO5 0HA — 261763 | Application for a Lawful Development Certificate for a proposed improvement and accessibility with safe access for wheelchair users and people with reduced mobility to the existing building, — validated |

| Fairways, East Road, East Mersea Colchester CO5 8UW — 261753 | Removal of existing window and patio doors and replacing these with new large bi-fold doors, converting flat roof over existing rear extenion to form balcony — validated |

| Heckford Bridge Cottage, Maldon Road, Birch Colchester CO3 0SP — 261452 | Removal of existing porch. New porch and cladding to the main house — refused |

| Hill House Barn, Hill House Farm, 157 Colchester Road, West Bergholt Colchester CO6 3JX — 261777 | Full Planning Application for the conversion of existing barn to dwellinghouse (C3) and for building operations reasonably necessary for conversion — validated |

| Hythe Quay, Colchester CO2 8JB — 261490 | Application to discharge condition 3 and 8 (remediation) of planning permission 242001 — approved |

| Land north of, 4 Churchfields, West Mersea Colchester CO5 8QJ — 261433 | The demolition of an existing disused storage unit and erection of proposed one bedroom dwelling — refused |

| Land North of, Wyvern Farm, London Road, Stanway Colchester — 261755 | Application for approval of details reserved by condition 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 10 and 12 of application 260056 — validated |

| Land off, Armoury Road, West Bergholt Colchester CO6 3JP — 261781 | Erection of a detached single-storey dwelling with associated residential curtilage, access, parking, landscaping and ancillary works — validated |

| land rear of, 75-77 Canterbury Road, Colchester CO2 7RX — 261367 | Application to discharge condition 3 (materials), 5 (CMS), 9, 10, 11, 12, 13 (soil testing), 20 (landscaping plan) of planning permission 260324 — approved without conditions |

| Natural History Museum, High Street, Colchester CO1 1DN — 261422 | Repair and conservation of the West Tower, including works to the facade, structural repairs, a replacement roof and new external rainwater pipes — approved with conditions |

| Natural History Museum, Natural History Museum, High Street, Colchester CO1 1DN — 261423 | Repair and conservation of the West Tower, including works to the facade, structural repairs, a replacement roof and new external rainwater pipes — approved with conditions |

| Oak House, 38 Shelley Avenue, Tiptree CO5 0SF — 261393 | Proposed loft conversion, including front and rear facing dormers and rooflights — approved with conditions |

| Old Joscelyns, Water Lane, Little Horkesley Essex CO6 4DG — 242425 | Application to discharge conditions 3, 4, 6, 8, 13, 14, 15, 16 and 17 to 241877 — approved |

| Second floor, 1 St. Runwalds Street, Colchester CO1 1HF — 261472 | Prior approval notification under Part 3, Class MA of the Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) (England) Order 2015,as amended, for the change of use of the second floor roof space from Class E to two self contained residential flats — prior approval required (approved) |

| Street Farm, London Road, Stanway Colchester CO3 8LT — 260633 | Application to discharge condition 4 (timber frame) and 5 (removal of fabric) of planning permission 241223 — split decision |

| Tanglewood, 37 Church Lane, Colchester CO3 4DX — 261750 | Re-submission of application 260373 following dismissed appeal Ref. 6009741, with amendments to the first-floor dormer proposals — validated |

| The Co-Operative Bank Colchester, Albert Hall, High Street, Colchester CO1 1JW — 261309 | Upgrade to existing modern external elevation elements — approved with conditions |

| The Co-Operative Bank Colchester, Albert Hall, High Street, Colchester CO1 1JW — 261310 | Listed Building Consent for internal and external elevation and refurbishment works to the existing bank premises — approved with conditions |

| The Fields, 61 Barbrook Lane, Tiptree Colchester CO5 0EF — 261762 | Single storey rear extension and first floor extension, replacement garden wall — validated |

| The Headway Centre, Woodland Walk, Colchester CO4 6DH — 260283 | Application for Approval of Details Reserved by Conditions 3, 5, 7, 8,9, 15, 21 (251930) — approved |

| Tregenna, Chapel Lane, West Bergholt Colchester CO6 3EF — 261478 | Proposed first floor extension above existing garage including front dormer windows — approved with conditions |

| Units 1 to 3, Lightship Way, Colchester CO2 8JX — 261758 | Display of a flex-face illuminated sign and digitally printed images on gym entrance windows. Flex Face Illuminated Sign (6160mm x 200mm) mounted at high level above Gym entrance. Multi-panel Digitally Printed vinyl adhered to multiple glazing panels at — validated |

| Viewlands, Ferry Road, Fingringhoe Colchester CO5 7BX — 261416 | Retrospective approval of single storey side extension to existing single garage — approved with conditions |

ON THE HIGH STREET

CLACTON-ON-SEA

• An application was validated for an extension to the petrol filling station at Morrisons, Centenary Way, for a hot food takeaway (26/01530/FUL).

• Prior approval was validated to refurbish and reconfigure 27 High Street to create one self-contained flat (26/01150/COUNOT).

• An application was validated for a two-storey Class E commercial building on land on the north side of Olivers Road (26/01435/FUL).

COLCHESTER

• A change of use and conversion of the upper floors of 16 High Street to five apartments was refused (261435).

• External upgrades and listed building consent for refurbishment of the Co-operative Bank at Albert Hall, High Street, were approved with conditions (261309, 261310).

• A heavy-duty rolling security shutter was approved with conditions at 22 Long Wyre Street (261177).

• A reverse vending machine was validated at Aldi, Magdalen Street (261754).

• A gym sign and window graphics were validated at Units 1 to 3, Lightship Way (261758).

DOVERCOURT

• Prior approval was validated to convert the ground floor café at the Rose & Thorn, 469 Main Road, to residential (26/01438/COUNOT).

SERVICE CHANGE

• Tendring's new recycling service started on 5 October. Homes were given an extra recycling box beforehand, and the council's website directs residents to an interactive map to check their new collection date. (Tendring consultations page)

LICENSING

Tendring published a licensing delegations decision for 28 September to 2 October 2026. As with the previous week, 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, 28 September–2 October 2026

YOUR MONEY

• Braintree — Section 106 affordable housing award. Cabinet approved £1,300,000 of Section 106 affordable housing contributions to Delta Housing for Land East of Braintree Road, Tye Green, Cressing. The scheme is 35 affordable homes, 21 for social rent and 14 shared ownership, and the Section 106 funding is 8.6% of its cost. The minutes record that an outline permission for 35 units required 14 affordable homes, that a reserved matters application in January 2025 proposed all 35 as affordable, and that Homes England grant covers 13 of the additional 21 homes. A Cabinet member declared an interest and left the room. (Cabinet minutes)

• Braintree — budget strategy 2027–28. Cabinet agreed the budget strategy, process and timetable. The minutes record projected annual shortfalls of £1.1 million in 2027–28, £1.3 million in 2028–29 and £0.6 million in 2029–30, leaving an ongoing gap of just under £3 million by the end of the period. They record a late one-off grant of £723,000, the council's Band D share of the council tax frozen at £206.01 for 2026–27, £400,000 over two years for the Cost-of-Living Fund and £100,000 for climate initiatives. The 2025–26 outturn was £2.4 million favourable, taking general balances to £13.75 million. For 2026–27 a £52,000 overspend is forecast, and in-year adjustments of £170,000 for the Local Plan and £78,000 for staffing were proposed. Cabinet delegated agreement to join an Essex business rate pool, if financially beneficial, and agreed budget virements. Cabinet's Strategy Workshop is on 16 October. (Cabinet minutes)

• Braintree — Pride in Place. A further £100,000 was announced at Full Council on 30 September for 12 months from October 2026, in addition to the £100,000 in the 2026–27 budget. (council news release)

• Braintree — leisure partnership. The council states that more than £921,934 has been invested in leisure facilities in the first year of its partnership with Freedom Leisure. (council news listing)

• Colchester — community supermarket. The council gave £20,000, a one-off contribution, towards a delivery vehicle for Colchester Community Supermarket. The release states that the vehicle lets the supermarket collect 40% more surplus food. (council news release)

JOBS & TENDERS

• Braintree — refuse collection vehicles. Cabinet approved contract EPPO376 for seven 26-tonne refuse collection vehicles at a total of £1,804,215 with Dennis Eagle Ltd, by direct award through a recognised framework. Six are like-for-like replacements already provided for in the medium-term financial strategy; the seventh changes from a trade lift to a split lift bin hoist. The minutes record that electric vehicles cost about double the standard equivalent and that range does not yet meet the daily requirements. Delivery is expected in autumn 2027. (Cabinet minutes)

• Braintree — temporary accommodation and supported housing. Cabinet approved six-month extensions from 1 October 2026 to 31 March 2027 of the contracts for Digby's Court temporary accommodation, £54,576, and New Direction supported housing, £34,210, a total of £88,786. They are funded from the Revenue Support Grant temporary accommodation element and the Housing Rough Sleeping and Domestic Abuse Grant respectively. The Head of Housing and Community may extend for a further six months to 30 September 2027. The services provide 35 units. (Cabinet minutes)

• Braintree — finance system. The Leader took a key decision on 26 August, under special urgency, to enter a new contract with OneAdvanced and migrate to its cloud-based Financials system, reported to Full Council on 30 September for noting. The supplier issued an End of Support Notice in May 2026 for the council's current eFinancials v6.5, withdrawing support from the end of May 2027 and indicating it is unlikely to issue licences beyond February 2027. One-off implementation costs are estimated at £230,450, funded from the financial system reserve. (Full Council agenda)

• Colchester — flat roofs. The Portfolio Holder for Housing proposed the award of a contract for replacement of flat roofs on Housing Revenue Account two storey blocks. It is a key decision covering all wards, with implementation not before 5pm on 8 October. The report is exempt from publication and the decision record does not state a value. (decision record)

• Tendring — Seafront Micro Venue. Early works and hoarding were instructed ahead of the main construction contract. The decision texts do not state a value. (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 — 541 days from 8 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".

WHERE THE THREE COUNCILS STAND

• Tendring's Seafront Micro Venue decisions of 5 and 7 October refer to the 7 September announcement and to the Minister's request that councils cease work on implementing the earlier decisions until the review concludes. They state the proposal is not impacted. (decision record)

• Tendring's Full Council on 13 October is invited to consider the term of office for the new town and parish councils for Clacton-on-Sea, Holland-on-Sea and West Clacton & Jaywick Sands, planned to begin on 1 April 2027: three years in place of the five decided on 2 June. (Community Leadership Overview and Scrutiny Committee agenda)

• Braintree's report on the finance system, dated 26 August and noted by Full Council on 30 September, refers to another Essex council as "a partner in the future new North East Essex Unitary Council". The report pre-dates the 7 September withdrawal. (Full Council agenda)

• Colchester's LGR Transformation and Transition Panel next meets on 3 November. (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 shows 7 September as its latest update. The Ministry's draft guidance on plan-making and local government reorganisation, last updated on 24 September, is unchanged. (collection page, guidance)

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. The council's release of 5 October describes this as the final chance to comment before independent examination. 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.

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. 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. The petition is listed as a live petition for Full Council on 13 October; 200 signatures trigger a Full Council debate. Sign or view the petition.

COMING UP

• Friday 9 October — Call-in deadline for Tendring's Portfolio Holder decision on 14a Waddesdon Road, Harwich (decision record)

• Monday 12 October — Call-in expires on Braintree Cabinet decisions of 28 September marked with two asterisks

• Tuesday 13 October, 6pm — Colchester Scrutiny Panel: a refreshed Strategic Plan Action Plan. The council's release states it commits to securing 400 more affordable homes, improving standards in private rented accommodation and strengthening homelessness prevention (council news release)

• Tuesday 13 October, 7.30pm — Tendring Full Council, Clacton Town Hall: the e-petition "Wheelie Bins for Recycling", the addendum report on town and parish councils for Clacton-on-Sea, Holland-on-Sea and West Clacton & Jaywick Sands, and committee minutes (agenda)

• Wednesday 14 October, 6pm — Colchester Full Council, Council Chamber

• Wednesday 14 October, 5pm — Tendring Planning Committee

• Thursday 15 October, 6pm — Colchester Planning Committee, Grand Jury Room: a new single-storey community centre with parking and landscaping on land south of Camulos Academy, Whitmore Drive (261329), and retrospective permission for a summer garden room and extended patio at 4 Elm Grove, Wivenhoe (261133) (agenda)

• Friday 16 October — Braintree Cabinet Strategy Workshop on the 2027–28 budget (Cabinet minutes)

• Tuesday 20 October, 6pm — Colchester Crime and Disorder Scrutiny

• Wednesday 21 October, 6pm — Colchester Cabinet

• Wednesday 21 October, 7.15pm — Braintree Corporate Policy Development Committee

• Monday 26 October, 7.15pm — Braintree Council

• Tuesday 27 October, 6pm — Colchester Governance and Audit Committee

• Tuesday 27 October, 7.15pm — Braintree Planning Committee

• Thursday 29 October, 6pm — Colchester Environment and Sustainability Panel

• Saturday 31 October — Deadline for Colchester's amendments to its Planning Scheme of Delegation, to take effect on 1 November. Tendring's Cabinet recommended on 25 September that its National Scheme of Delegation changes take effect on 31 October (Tendring Cabinet decisions list)

• Before 31 October to 31 December — Tendring forthcoming decisions notified on 2 October: the Brightlingsea Community Assets Transfer (before 31 October), the Mistley and Brightlingsea Play Zone funding applications (before 31 December), the Housing Improvement Plan 2026–2030 to Cabinet on 13 November, a new 25-year lease of Martello Tower F for a performance space and recording studio, and the freehold disposal of the former public conveniences at Mill Lane, Walton, a key decision; the last two are part exempt and not before 2 November (Housing Improvement Plan notice, Mill Lane notice, Martello Tower F notice)

• Tuesday 3 November — Colchester LGR Transformation and Transition Panel

• Tuesday 24 November — Tendring Full Council: the Oliver McGowan training motion returns after consideration by the Community Leadership Overview and Scrutiny Committee

Meeting calendars: Colchester · Tendring · Braintree

HOW IT WORKS

Call-in

Two councils in this issue publish decisions with a call-in period. Braintree's Cabinet minutes mark some decisions with ** and state that they may be the subject of the "call-in" provisions of the Constitution within 5 working days of publication of the minutes. They state that decisions not called in by that date and time become effective. The minutes of 28 September were published on 5 October, with call-in expiring on 12 October.

Tendring's decision records state whether a decision is subject to call-in, the date it was published, the date of the decision, the call-in deadline, the date the decision comes into force if not called in, and a count of call-ins received. The decision on 14a Waddesdon Road, Harwich, for example, gives a call-in deadline of 9 October and a start date of 10 October, with no call-ins recorded when it was read.

Sources: Braintree District Council — Cabinet, 28 September 2026, minutes · Tendring District Council — decision 14512

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.