Issue 8, 16th - 22nd October, 2026

Welcome to issue 8 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 — Braintree's Local Plan 2043 Regulation 19 consultation closes at 5pm on 6 November, with drop-in events on 21, 26 and 28 October. Braintree has opened a consultation on its draft Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Licensing Policy, closing on 10 January 2027.
⚠️ Coming Up — Braintree's Council meets on 26 October and its Planning Committee on 27 October. Colchester's Governance and Audit Committee meets on 27 October.
In the Chamber — Colchester's Full Council met on 14 October and its Planning Committee on 15 October. Minutes of neither were published when this issue was compiled. Colchester's decision notice for 4 Elm Grove, Wivenhoe, was issued on 16 October as approved with conditions.
Planning Watch — Tendring refused outline planning permission for up to 85 dwellings at Elmstead Market and approved eight bungalows at Great Oakley. Colchester approved three padel courts at Layer Road, Stanway. Braintree's planning register could not be read, and Tendring's committee site was unavailable.
Jobs & Tenders — A Colchester Portfolio Holder decision of 19 October awards the design and build contract for 72–86 Military Road. The report is exempt and no value is published.
The Countdown — 527 days to 1 April 2028, the current stated date for North East Essex Council.

NUMBER OF THE WEEK

The number of dwellings in an outline application on land north of Meadow Close and west of Holly Way, Elmstead Market, that Tendring refused on 15 October. The application sought outline permission, with only access to be considered, for up to 85 dwellings and associated infrastructure (26/00193/OUT). See Planning Watch.

Source: Tendring District Council planning register — 26/00193/OUT

IN THE CHAMBER

COLCHESTER FULL COUNCIL OF 14 OCTOBER (Council — agenda items, outcomes not published)

Colchester's decisions register lists ten items for the Full Council meeting of 14 October, each with the status "Decision Proposed". No minutes had been published when this issue was compiled, so no outcome is reported. The items are: the Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Policy; a motion on Local Government Reorganisation; a motion on violence against women and girls; a motion on West Mersea byelaws; Operation Vanguard; the Economic Plan 2026–28; the risk management year-end report; Data Protection Policies; a motion on congestion around the Jobserve Stadium; and the Schedule of PH Decisions. (decisions register, meeting page)

Source: Colchester City Council — Full Council, 14 October 2026

COLCHESTER PLANNING COMMITTEE OF 15 OCTOBER (Committee — planning)

The committee's agenda carried two applications. Colchester's list of decided applications records 4 Elm Grove, Wivenhoe (retrospective summer garden room, 261133) as approved with conditions on 16 October. The other, a community centre south of Camulos Academy, Whitmore Drive (261329, applicant the council), had an officer recommendation of authority to approve subject to conclusion of the contaminated land issue. An amendment sheet adds a comment from Colchester Cycling Campaign. No decision for 261329 was on the decided lists or in published minutes when this issue was compiled. (meeting page)

Source: Colchester City Council — Planning Committee, 15 October 2026

COLCHESTER SCRUTINY PANEL OF 13 OCTOBER AND OTHER COMMITTEES (Committees — decisions register)

Colchester's decisions register lists, for the Scrutiny Panel of 13 October, a "PH briefing", the Strategic Plan extension, the Asset Disposal Programme (two items) and the Work Programme. It lists Operation Vanguard for the Crime and Disorder Committee of 20 October and "Progress of Responses to the Public" for Cabinet on 21 October. All carry the status "Decision Proposed" and no minutes were published when this issue was compiled. (Strategic Plan extension, Cabinet, 21 October)

Source: Colchester City Council — decisions register

COLCHESTER PORTFOLIO HOLDER DECISIONS (Delegated decisions)

13 October — Tendring Local Plan. A decision is listed as "Tendring Submission Version consultation response". (decision 5094)
19 October — Military Road. A Portfolio Holder decision covers the award of a design and build contract for 72–86 Military Road. The report is exempt. (decision 5081)
22 October — insurance. A Portfolio Holder decision covers an extension of the council's insurance contract. (decision 5095)

Source: Colchester City Council — decisions register

TENDRING (Committees and decisions — not available)

Tendring's committee and decisions site (tdcdemocracy.tendringdc.gov.uk) returned "502 Bad Gateway" or timed out on every attempt made for this issue, so no Tendring committee outcomes, officer or Portfolio Holder decisions, licensing delegations or minutes could be read. This is a gap in this issue's coverage. It does not mean Tendring was quiet. Tendring's planning register was available and is reported in Planning Watch.

BRAINTREE (Committees — calendar only)

Braintree's meetings calendar lists a Standards Sub-Committee on 16 October, a Drivers' Panel and the Corporate Policy Development Committee on 21 October. Agendas and minutes for these meetings were not read for this issue. Braintree's Council meeting of 30 September remained agenda-only in our last issue. (Braintree meetings)

Source: Braintree District Council — meetings

PLANNING WATCH

This section covers planning applications validated and decided in 5 – 18 October 2026. The week of 5 – 11 October was covered in our last issue and is not repeated. Everything below for Colchester and Tendring is from the week of 12 – 18 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 showed a Cloudflare verification page when it was opened on 22 October, so no application list was available from it. Braintree's validated and decided applications for the week beginning 12 October, and for 7 September – 11 October where not already reported, are not listed in this issue. This is a gap in this issue's coverage. It does not mean Braintree was quiet.

Coverage note — Tendring. Tendring's register was searched by validation date and by decision date for 12 – 18 October. 26 applications validated and 31 decided are listed, all dated 12 – 16 October. Decision outcomes are taken from each application's own page on the register. 16 tree works applications and notifications, validated or decided, are not listed, in line with this briefing's standing scope. Two applications appear in both searches and are listed once. Tendring's committee and decisions site was unavailable (see In the Chamber).

Coverage note — Colchester. Colchester's weekly lists for the week beginning 12 October were read: 25 applications received and 39 decided are listed. All received dates are 12 – 14 October, and the list may have been still updating. 4 tree works applications received are not listed, in line with this briefing's standing scope. The four decision notices that our earlier issues noted as missing from the decided list (260743, 260876, 260741 and 261283) were not on this week's list either, and remain unlisted.

BRAINTREE — FULL ENTRIES

No Braintree application list could be read (see the coverage note above).

TENDRING — FULL ENTRIES

UP TO 85 DWELLINGS REFUSED AT ELMSTEAD MARKET (Outline — residential, refused)

Tendring refused on 15 October an outline application, with access to be considered and all other matters reserved, for up to 85 dwellings and associated infrastructure on land north of Meadow Close and west of Holly Way, Elmstead Market. The application was received on 5 February (26/00193/OUT).

Source: Tendring District Council planning register — 26/00193/OUT

EIGHT BUNGALOWS APPROVED AT WEST LODGE, GREAT OAKLEY (Full — demolition and new homes, approved)

Tendring approved on 15 October the demolition of the existing dwelling at West Lodge, Sparrows Corner, Great Oakley, and the erection of eight bungalows with associated access, parking and amenity space (26/00954/FUL).

Source: Tendring District Council planning register — 26/00954/FUL

CLIFF STABILISATION AT LOWER PROMENADE, CLACTON-ON-SEA (Full — coastal works, approved)

Tendring approved on 15 October cliff stabilisation works at the Lower Promenade, Marine Parade West, Clacton-on-Sea, including the rebuilding of a failed tumbled brick wall and the installation of drainage (26/00729/FUL).

Source: Tendring District Council planning register — 26/00729/FUL

TENDRING — ROUND-UP

NEW HOMES

Single dwelling with parking and access on land adjacent Warley Way, Frinton-on-Sea — approved (26/01321/FUL)
Four-bedroom detached house on land adjacent 8 Church Road, Alresford — approved (26/01316/FUL)
Three-bedroom dwelling at 6 Banister Close, Clacton-on-Sea — approved (26/01266/FUL)
Self-build dwelling with new access on land south-east of 75 Frinton Road, Thorpe-le-Soken — approved (26/01218/FUL)
Single-storey self-build dwelling on land rear of 5 Hunters Chase, Ardleigh — approved (26/00945/FUL)
Permission in principle for up to two dwellings on land rear of The Coach House, Brightlingsea Road, Thorrington — validated (26/01588/PIP)
Outline application for three self-build dwellings at Lane End Cottages, Dale Hill, Kirby-le-Soken — validated (26/01548/OUT)
Replacement dwelling at Willow Lodge, Cockaynes Lane, Alresford — validated (26/01516/FUL)
Demolition of the dwelling at White Post, Beaumont Road, and one replacement dwelling, Great Oakley — validated (26/01474/FUL)
Conversion of two outbuildings into holiday lets at Tye Barn, The Tye Road, Great Bentley — validated (26/01310/FUL)

CONDITIONS, AGREEMENTS AND OTHER DECISIONS

Legal agreement relating to RAMS (Recreational disturbance Avoidance and Mitigation Strategy) for 24/01560/FUL at Treestacks Farm, Wix — validated (26/01609/S106)
Legal agreement relating to RAMS for 25/00591/VOC at Apple Blossom Paddocks, Thorrington — legal agreement completed (26/01538/S106)
Non-material amendment to 21/01659/FULHH, render instead of timber, at 8 The Green, Mistley — withdrawn (26/01360/NMA)
Lawful development certificate for existing use at Willow House, Willow Park, The Street, Weeley — lawful use certificate granted (26/01044/LUEX)
Replacement signage at 29 High Street, Manningtree — refused (26/00823/ADV)
Four electric vehicle charge points at 26 Lawford Place, Lawford — approved (26/00898/FUL)
Conversion of vacant public conveniences into business premises on The Green, Main Road, Harwich — validated (26/01256/FUL)

TENDRING — FULL REGISTER (57 APPLICATIONS)

| ADDRESS | DESCRIPTION |

| 1 Abbey Cottages Bradfield Road Wix Manningtree Essex CO11 2SH — 26/01271/FULHH | Rear and side extension and erection of front porch — approved |

| 10 Cavendish Drive Lawford Manningtree Essex CO11 2EX — 26/01303/FULHH | Erection of first floor extension over the existing ground floor extension — approved |

| 19 Connaught Avenue Frinton On Sea Essex CO13 9PN — 26/01595/FUL | Alterations to existing shop front to remove external seating area and to increase cafe/restaurant internal area — validated |

| 2 Oaklands Cottage High Street Great Oakley Harwich Essex CO12 5AT — 26/01151/FULHH | Creation of vehicular access to facilitate parking area to front of property (retention of) — approved |

| 2 The Cottage Walton Road Thorpe Le Soken Clacton On Sea Essex CO16 0NN — 26/01297/FULHH | Rear extension — approved |

| 22 Thoroughgood Road Clacton On Sea Essex CO15 6DD — 26/01590/FUL | Single storey infill side extension to the existing nursery building. Resubmission of 24/00512/FUL — validated |

| 26 Lawford Place Lawford Manningtree Essex CO11 2PT — 26/00898/FUL | Installation of 4no. electric vehicle (EV) car chargers to parking area — approved |

| 26 Rigby Avenue Mistley Manningtree Essex CO11 2DJ — 26/01600/FULHH | Two storey rear extension (following removal of conservatory) — validated |

| 29 High Street Manningtree Essex CO11 1AH — 26/00823/ADV | Application for Advertisement Consent - Replacement signage — refused |

| 30 Cherry Tree Avenue Clacton On Sea Essex CO15 1AP — 26/01601/FULHH | Single storey extension and formation of new decking — validated |

| 345 Point Clear Road St Osyth Clacton On Sea Essex CO16 8NT — 26/01265/FULHH | Roof replacement and ridge height increased to facilitate loft conversion — approved |

| 4 Risby Close Clacton On Sea Essex CO16 7LF — 26/01607/FULHH | Retention of a single storey 2.7m brick built rear extension and the installation of an associated roof mounted black twin wall insulated flue — validated |

| 4 Risby Close Clacton On Sea Essex CO16 7LF — 26/01608/FULHH | Single storey rear/side extension (following removal of existing extension) — validated |

| 53 - 55 High Street Walton On The Naze Essex CO14 8BD — 26/01594/FUL | Proposed new shop front — validated |

| 6 Banister Close Clacton On Sea Essex CO16 8XD — 26/01266/FUL | Erection of 1no. three bed dwelling — approved |

| 6 Churchfield Road Walton On The Naze Essex CO14 8BL — 26/01318/FULHH | Ground floor infill extension with a depth of 3.3m and width of 1.855m, maximum height of 2.45m and is constructed as a lightweight structure with white external cladding and a covered roof (retrospe… — approved |

| 6 Ferndown Road Frinton On Sea Essex CO13 9LS — 26/01586/FULHH | Single-storey side and rear extensions, and conversion and enlargement of existing garage — validated |

| 61 The Street Kirby Le Soken Frinton On Sea Essex CO13 0EG — 26/01313/FULHH | Two-storey rear extension and porch (following removal of existing rear extension) — approved |

| 67 Larkfield Road Great Bentley Colchester Essex CO7 8PY — 26/01287/FULHH | First floor side extension over garage and utility, partial garage conversion and associated alterations — approved |

| 71 Holland Park Clacton On Sea Essex CO15 6LJ — 26/01599/FULHH | Single storey front extension, reduced garage size to accommodate fire escape window to bedroom — validated |

| 72 - 78 Rosemary Road Clacton On Sea Essex CO15 1TZ — 26/01347/DISCON | Discharge of conditions application for 26/00011/FUL - Condition 3 (Shopfronts and External Materials), Condition 6 (Construction Management), and Condition 7 (Access, Parking and Forecourt Layout) — discharge of condition approved |

| 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 — withdrawn |

| 90 Burrs Road Clacton On Sea Essex CO15 4LF — 26/01555/DISCON | Discharge of conditions application for 25/01467/FUL - Condition 9 (Sustainability Measures) and Condition 20 (Biodiversity Enhancement Strategy) — validated |

| 97 Harwich Road Mistley Manningtree Essex CO11 1NA — 26/01319/FULHH | Replacement of current summer house with a garden room — approved |

| Apple Blossom Paddocks Brightlingsea Road Thorrington Essex CO7 8JL — 26/01538/S106 | Legal Agreement in relation to RAMS for application reference 25/00591/VOC — legal agreement completed |

| Arundel Ardleigh Road Great Bromley Colchester Essex CO7 7TL — 26/01591/FULHH | Single storey rear extension to connect existing annexe to main dwelling and alterations to roof and window / door openings of annexe — validated |

| Barnards Farm Colchester Road Thorpe Le Soken Clacton On Sea Essex CO16 0AD — 26/01615/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 a general-purpose a… — validated |

| Burg Plot 2 rear of Hill Farm Frating Essex CO7 7DG — 26/01257/VOC | Application under Section 73 of the Town and Country Planning Act for Variation of Condition 2 (Approved Drawings) of application 23/00052/FUL to change the design of Plot 2 from a bungalow to includ… — approved |

| Christmas Cottage The Green Great Bentley Colchester Essex CO7 8PJ — 26/01149/FULHH | Extension to existing garage to allow for home office conversion — approved |

| Good Hall Coggeshall Road Ardleigh Colchester Essex CO7 7LR — 26/01559/LBC | Application for Listed Building Consent - Replacement and repair of windows and doors — validated |

| Harveys Farm Old Ipswich Road Ardleigh Colchester Essex CO7 7QS — 26/01335/DISCON | Discharge of conditions application for 24/00062/FUL - Condition 9 (Wildlife Sensitive Lighting Design Scheme) — discharge of condition approved |

| High Birch Farmhouse High Birch Road Weeley Clacton On Sea Essex CO16 9BU — 26/01562/DISCON | Discharge of conditions application for 24/00390/FUL - Condition 10 (RAMS) — discharge of condition approved |

| Keal Barn 26 Harwich Road Ardleigh Colchester Essex CO7 7LS — 26/01543/DISCON | Discharge of conditions application for 26/00992/FUL - Condtiion 6 (Tree Protection) — validated |

| Land adjacent 8 Church Road Alresford Clacton On Sea Essex CO7 8AB — 26/01316/FUL | Construction of 1no. four bedroom detached house with single detached garage — approved |

| Land adjacent Community Centre Long Meadows Dovercourt Essex CO12 4TU — 26/01306/DISCON | Discharge of conditions application for 24/01546/DETAIL - Condition 3 (Construction Management Plan) — discharge of condition approved |

| Land adjacent Warley Way Frinton On Sea Essex CO13 9PA — 26/01321/FUL | Construct single dwelling with associated parking and access — approved |

| Land North of Meadow Close and West of Holly Way Elmstead Market Colchester — 26/00193/OUT | Outline Planning Application (Access to be considered only) - All matters reserved apart from primary means of access for up to 85 no. dwellings and associated infrastructure — refused |

| Land North of Wigboro Wick Lane St Osyth Clacton On Sea Essex CO16 8ER — 26/01579/AGRIC | Application to determine if prior approved is required under Part 6, Class A of the Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) (England) Order 2015 (as amended) for erection of a gener… — validated |

| Land R/O The Coach House Brightlingsea Road Thorrington Colchester Essex CO7 8JJ — 26/01588/PIP | Application for Permission in Principle - Up to 2 No. dwellings with associated access, parking and amenity space — validated |

| Land South East of 75 Frinton Road Thorpe Le Soken Essex CO16 0HS — 26/01218/FUL | One self-build / custom Build Dwelling with new access — approved |

| Land to The rear of 5 Hunters Chase Ardleigh Essex CO7 7LW — 26/00945/FUL | Erection of single storey self build dwelling — approved |

| Lane End Cottages Dale Hill Kirby Le Soken Essex — 26/01548/OUT | Outline Planning Application (all matters reserved) - 3 self build dwellings — validated |

| Lower Promenade Marine Parade West Clacton On Sea Essex CO15 1LS — 26/00729/FUL | Proposed cliff stabilisation works. Including re-building of failed tumbled brick wall and installation of drainage — approved |

| New Moze Hall Beaumont Road Great Oakley Harwich Essex CO12 5BH — 26/01427/LUEX | Application for Lawful Development Certificate for Existing Use or Development for retention of a summer house (log cabin) — validated |

| New Moze Hall Beaumont Road Great Oakley Harwich Essex CO12 5BH — 26/01409/LUEX | Application for Lawful Development Certificate for Existing Use or Development for continued occupation of former coach house as 1 no dwelling — validated |

| Oakhurst Bentley Road Weeley Clacton On Sea Essex CO16 9BX — 26/00892/FULHH | Construction of a two-storey rear extension, 2no. single storey side extension, an open porch and a two-storey outbuilding comprising a carport with annexe accommodation above. Additionally, the roof… — approved |

| Red House Farm Harwich Road Little Bentley Colchester Essex CO7 8ST — 26/01320/DISCON | Discharge of conditions application for 25/01469/FUL - Condition 3 (Biodiversity Gain Plan); Condition 4 (Habitat Management and Monitoring Plan); Condition 5 (Water, Energy and Resource Efficiency M… — discharge of condition approved |

| St Marys Church Hall New Road Mistley Essex CO11 1ER — 26/01326/FUL | Provision of access ramp to entrance, and provision of accessible WC — validated |

| St Marys Church Hall New Road Mistley Essex CO11 1ER — 26/01327/LBC | Application for Listed Building Consnet - Provision of access ramp to entrance, and provision of accessible WC — validated |

| Telford Business Park Unit 8 Telford Road Clacton On Sea Essex CO15 4AW — 26/01292/DISCON | Discharge of conditions application for 23/01203/FUL - Condition 8 (Biodiversity Enhancement Strategy) — discharge of condition approved |

| The Green Main Road Harwich Essex CO12 4NJ — 26/01256/FUL | Conversion of vacant public conveniences into business premises (Use Class E(c)(ii)) and change of use of adjacent land for storage purposes — validated |

| Treestacks Farm Oakley Road Wix Manningtree Essex CO11 2SF — 26/01609/S106 | Legal Agreement in relation to RAMS for application reference 24/01560/FUL (Request for Legal Team to PREPARE Agreement) — validated |

| Tye Barn The Tye Road Great Bentley Colchester Essex CO7 8QX — 26/01310/FUL | Conversion of two existing outbuildings into holiday lets — validated |

| West Lodge Sparrows Corner Great Oakley Harwich Essex CO12 5AB — 26/00954/FUL | Demolition of existing residential dwelling and erection of 8 bungalows with associated access, parking and amenity — approved |

| White Post Beaumont Road Great Oakley Harwich Essex CO12 5BA — 26/01474/FUL | Demolish existing dwelling and replace with 1no. dwelling — validated |

| Willow House Willow Park The Street Weeley Clacton On Sea Essex CO16 9JE — 26/01044/LUEX | Application for Lawful Development Certificate for Existing Use or Development to regularise the use of an existing ancillary building and extension used for assisted living — lawful use certificate granted |

| Willow Lodge Cockaynes Lane Alresford Colchester Essex CO7 8DA — 26/01516/FUL | Replacement dwelling — validated |

COLCHESTER — FULL ENTRIES

THREE PADEL COURTS APPROVED AT CLARICE HOUSE, LAYER ROAD, STANWAY (Full — sports facility, approved with conditions)

Colchester approved with conditions on 12 October the erection of three padel courts and an associated car parking extension at Clarice House Day Spa And Heal…, Layer Road, Stanway (address truncated on the council list) (252292).

Source: Colchester City Council planning register — 252292

RESIDENTIAL PARENT AND BABY ASSESSMENT HOME APPROVED AT 172 GREENSTEAD ROAD (Full — change of use, approved with conditions)

Colchester approved with conditions on 12 October a change of use of 172 Greenstead Road from a dwelling house (Use Class C3) to a residential parent and baby assessment home (Use Class C2), with a timber fence and gate about one metre high along the front boundary and a landscaped hedge in front (261214).

Source: Colchester City Council planning register — 261214

THE JUMBO WATER TOWER, BALKERNE PASSAGE: LISTED BUILDING APPLICATION AND CONDITIONS VARIATION RECEIVED (Listed building and conditions variation — received)

Two applications for the Jumbo Water Tower, Balkerne Passage, Castle ward, were received. One (261824, received 12 October) is a listed building application for repair and redevelopment to create a multifunctional heritage interpretation and private hire event space, and the other (261841, received 14 October) varies conditions 2 and 5 of planning permission 242060 for the same scheme.

Source: Colchester City Council planning register — 261824

COLCHESTER — ROUND-UP

Replacement dwelling at Pound House, Vernons Road, Wakes Colne — approved with conditions (261543)
Reserved matters for two dwellings, replacing a dwelling and garage, at 4 Bakers Lane, Colchester — approved with conditions (261432)
Conversion and alteration of buildings for residential accommodation ancillary to the main house at The Grange, Abberton Road, Fingringhoe — approved with conditions (261341)
Replacement dwelling, tennis court and two temporary caravans at Villa Farm, West End Road, Tiptree — validated (261820)
Outline application for a self-build dwelling and garage on land rear of Spring Cottage, Lower Road, Peldon — validated (261833)
Single-storey domestic storage outbuilding with hardstanding on land off Meeting Lane, East Mersea — refused (261541)
Car park extension, new single-storey WC extension and service yard improvements at the Premier Inn Restaurant, Cowdray Avenue, Colchester — validated (261836)
Wildlife ponds and scrapes on land south of Ballast Quay, Furneaux Lane, Fingringhoe — validated (261844)
Variation of conditions of 260621, replacing glazed curtain walling with brick cavity wall, at Square 4, University of Essex, Wivenhoe — approved with conditions (261539)

COLCHESTER — FULL REGISTER (64 APPLICATIONS)

| ADDRESS | DESCRIPTION |

| 1 Crown Cottages, Nayland Road, Great Horkesley Colchester CO6 4AH — 261834 | Demolition of the existing conservatory and single-storey to rear, followed by the construction of a part two-storey, part single-storey rear extension to provide a new kitchen/dining area and utilit… — validated |

| 1 Westwood Drive, West Mersea Colchester CO5 8PH — 260791 | Proposed first floor extension plus bay extension — approved with conditions |

| 102 Prettygate Road, Colchester CO3 4EE — 261524 | Erection of two-storey side extension, internal alterations, alterations to roof including the formation of a new rear dormer and new front dormers, together with associated demolition works comprisi… — approved with conditions |

| 106 Hakewill Way, Colchester CO4 5GU — 261484 | Certificate of Lawfulness of Existing Use for the material change of use from a dwellinghouse (Use Class C3) to a large House in Multiple Occupation (HMO) accommodating more than six residents (sui g… — lawful development certificate granted |

| 17 & 15 Queen Anne Road, West Mersea Colchester CO5 8BB — 261436 | Application for a Lawful Development Certificate for proposed conversion of two dwellings into one — lawful development certificate granted |

| 172 Greenstead Road, Colchester CO1 2SQ — 261214 | Change of use from C3 (Dwelling House) to C2 (Residential Parent and Baby Assessment Home) Installation of a timber fence and gate approximately 1 metre in height along the front boundary, with a lan… — approved with conditions |

| 22 Groves Close, Colchester CO4 5BP — 261850 | Erection of a single-storey garden room for purposes incidental to theenjoyment of the host dwelling, following the recent demolition of theexisting outbuilding — validated |

| 248 Cowdray Avenue, Colchester CO1 1XZ — 261548 | Single storey front, side and rear extensions, two storey rear extension, loft conversion and new roof gable end — refused |

| 27 Straight Road, Boxted Colchester CO4 5HN — 261233 | Application to determine if prior approval is required for a proposed:Change of Use of Agricultural Buildings to a flexible use within Commercial/Business/Service (Class E). The Town and Country Plan… — prior approval required — approved |

| 33 Alexandra Road, Colchester CO3 3DF — 261553 | Application for a Lawful Development Certificate for a Proposed Changeof use from C3 Dwelling House to C4 HMO, including the erection of a single-storey rear extension to the existing detached dwelli… — lawful development certificate granted |

| 34 North Station Road, Colchester CO1 1RB — 261531 | Proposed first floor extension to rear and change of use of first floor from an apartment (c3) to a house in multiple occupation. Relocation of extraction flue serving restaurant below — refused |

| 4 Bakers Lane, Colchester CO4 5BB — 261432 | Application for Approval of Reserved Matters following Outline Approval of 260014 - demolition of the existing dwelling and detached double garage, construction of two new dwellings and associated wo… — approved with conditions |

| 4 Elm Grove, Wivenhoe Colchester CO7 9AY — 261133 | Retrospective planning for the construction of summer garden room and extended patio — approved with conditions |

| 49 Ambrose Avenue, Colchester CO3 4LJ — 261825 | Demolition of existing garage and replacement with two storey side extension — validated |

| 5 Millers Lane, Stanway Colchester CO3 0PS — 261105 | Proposed single storey side extension and 3no. dormers to existing roof, demolition of existing garages and proposed garden room — approved with conditions |

| 51 East Hill, Colchester CO1 2QY — 261846 | Application to discharge condition 4 (roof tile details) to application 261344 — validated |

| 67 Victoria Road, Colchester CO3 3NU — 261504 | Replacement and redesign of the existing roof following the previous installation of closed-cell spray foam insulation, including an increase in ridge height to accommodate a larger timber roof struc… — approved with conditions |

| 9 London Land Cottages, Church Road, Wormingford Colchester CO6 3AE — 261816 | Erection of a single storey rear extension, first floor side extensionand loft conversion with associated rear facing dormer, to provide additional living accomodation — validated |

| Bramble Cottage, Moor Road, Langham Colchester CO4 5NP — 260425 | Conversion of bedroom alcove into a WC. Install a stud divider wall, small extractor fan, and new waste pipe to link with the existing waste pipe. Access to the WC will be from the landing through wh… — approved with conditions |

| Bromley House, Kelvedon Road, Tiptree Colchester CO5 0LJ — 261832 | Proposed summer house — validated |

| Buntings Nest, Kelvedon Road, Inworth Colchester CO5 9SN — 261845 | Construction of an agricultural lean-to extension for general purpose agricltural storage — validated |

| Bus Shelter 2506 Col 26 Stop Ec, 29-39 Head Street, Colchester CO1 1NH — 261424 | Digital advert on the real-time passenger information screen located at the bus stop. The screen is already installed. Adverts could be from a broad range of suppliers - both public and private — approved with conditions |

| Bus Shelter At 25, Head Street, Colchester — 261420 | Digital advert on the real-time passenger information screen located at the bus stop. The screen is already installed. Adverts could be from a broad range of suppliers - both public and private — approved with conditions |

| Bus Shelter At 41, Head Street, Colchester — 261418 | Digital advert on the real-time passenger information screen located at the bus stop. The screen is already installed. Adverts could be from a broad range of suppliers - both public and private — approved with conditions |

| Bus Shelter Outside 119, High Street, Colchester — 261426 | Digital advert on the real-time passenger information screen located at the bus stop. The screen is already installed. Adverts could be from a broad range of suppliers - both public and private — approved with conditions |

| Bus Shelter Outside 120, High Street, Colchester — 261425 | Digital advert on the real-time passenger information screen located at the bus stop. The screen is already installed. Adverts could be from a broad range of suppliers - both public and private — approved with conditions |

| Clarice House Day Spa And Heal, Layer Road Stanway Colchester — 252292 | Proposed Erection Of 3no. Padel Courts and associated car parking extension — approved with conditions |

| Coopers Bottom, Coopers Lane, Dedham Colchester CO7 6AX — 261551 | Proposed canopy to external dining terrace — approved with conditions |

| Coveneys, Boxted Church Road, Great Horkesley Colchester CO6 4AL — 261358 | Proposal for the erection of a two storey extension and re-ordering toCoveneys Eastern elevation as well as minor internal and fenestration works across the listed building — approved with conditions |

| Coveneys, Boxted Church Road, Great Horkesley Colchester CO6 4AL — 261359 | Listed building consent application for the erection of a two storey extension and re-ordering to Coveneys Eastern elevation as well as minor internal and fenestration works across the listed building — approved with conditions |

| Crapes, Rectory Road, Aldham Colchester CO6 3RR — 261447 | Application to discharge condition 7 (Arboricultural Method Statement) and 10 (replacment planting scheme) of planning permission 260311 — discharge of condition approved |

| Crapes, Rectory Road, Aldham Colchester CO6 3RR — 261525 | Application for Approval of Details Reserved by Condition 4 of 260311 — discharge of condition approved |

| Harris Barn, Kemps Farm, Mersea Road, Peldon Colchester CO5 7QG — 261843 | Listed Building Application for Retrospective application for Retention of existing detached garage/cart lodge with ancillary first-floor accommodation associated with Harris Barn, a Grade II listed… — validated |

| Harris Barn, Kemps Farm, Mersea Road, Peldon Colchester CO5 7QG — 261842 | Retrospective application for Retention of existing detached garage/cart lodge with ancillary first-floor accommodation associated with Harris Barn, a Grade II listed building — validated |

| Hegeston, Long Road West, Dedham Essex CO7 6ES — 261849 | Variation of Condition 2 of planning permission 242072 by replacing approved drawing 0216-A-200 with Drawing 9216-A-200submitted with this application, showing the natural slate roof covering. Approv… — validated |

| Hillside, The Heath, Dedham Colchester CO7 6BU — 261549 | Proposed singe storey rear extension — approved with conditions |

| Holly Corner, 104 Shrub End Road, Colchester CO3 4RX — 261540 | Application to discharge condition 5 and 6 of planning permission 252400 — discharge of condition approved |

| Home Farm Bungalow, East Road, East Mersea Colchester CO5 8UJ — 261847 | Retrospective application for the retention of 2no. storage containers, hardstanding and a livestock pen, and the erection of a roof and timber cladding between and over the containers, on agricultur… — validated |

| Kyloe, Penlan Hall Lane, Fordham Colchester CO6 3LP — 261674 | Application to determine if prior approval is required for a proposed building for agricultural use — prior approval required — approved |

| Lamb Cottage, Birchwood Road, Dedham Colchester CO7 6ED — 261537 | Proposed alterations to existing workshop and proposed gym — approved with conditions |

| land off, Easthorpe Green, Marks Tey Colchester CO6 1HA — 261185 | Removal of ecological mitigation measures (approved under planning reference 222897), including infilling of two ponds, removal of associated landscaping, and a change of use to agricultural use — approved with conditions |

| Land off, Meeting Lane, East Mersea Colchester — 261541 | Erection of a single-storey domestic storage outbuilding including hardstanding to front — refused |

| Land to South of Ballast Quay and NE, Furneaux Lane, Fingringhoe Colchester — 261844 | Application for creation of wildlife ponds and scrapes — validated |

| New Homestead, Birchwood Road, Langham Colchester CO4 5QG — 261483 | Application for a Lawful Development Certificate for a Proposed Rear single storey extension — lawful development certificate granted |

| Olivers, Olivers Lane, Stanway Colchester CO2 0HJ — 261839 | Listed Building Consent for Internal alterations to form main bedroom suite — validated |

| Pippins, Green Lane, Aldham Colchester CO6 3PR — 261826 | Extensions to dwelling, following partial removal of existing rear extension, and loft conversion — validated |

| Pound House, Vernons Road, Wakes Colne Colchester CO6 2AH — 261543 | Replacement dwelling — approved with conditions |

| Premier Inn Restaurant, Cowdray Avenue, Colchester — 261836 | External alterations including car park extension and reconfiguration,new single-storey WC extension, service yard improvements, external lighting, redecoration and associated works — validated |

| Rear of, Spring Cottage, Lower Road, Peldon Colchester CO5 7PR — 261833 | Outline Planning Permission with all matters reserved - self-build residential dwelling with associated garage/car port — validated |

| Rowan Lodge, Kelvedon Road, Inworth Colchester CO5 9SH — 261821 | Certification of lawful development for the placement of a static caravan within the curtilage of Rowan Lodge Kelvedon Road. No materialchange of use will be taking place — validated |

| Shrub End Post Office, 192 Shrub End Road, Colchester CO3 4RZ — 261818 | Prior approval notification under Part 3, Class MA of the Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) (England) Order 2015,as amended for change of use of the former vacant Post Office… — validated |

| Square 4, University of Essex, Wivenhoe Park, Colchester CO4 3SQ — 261539 | Application to vary conditions 2 (drawings) and 3 (external facing & roofing materials) of planning permission 260621 - glazed curtain walling on both sides of the glass door, proposed in the applica… — approved with conditions |

| The Conifers, Boxted Church Road, Great Horkesley Colchester CO6 4AL — 261817 | Proposed single storey extension to form an Annex and insertion of additional roof lights — validated |

| The Grange, Abberton Road, Fingringhoe Colchester CO5 7AL — 261341 | Refurbishment, conversion, and alteration of existing buildings to provide residential accommodation ancillary to the main house, together with associated external works and landscaping — approved with conditions |

| The Grange, Abberton Road, Fingringhoe Colchester CO5 7AL — 261340 | Refurbishment, conversion, and alteration of existing buildings to provide residential accommodation ancillary to the main house, together with associated external works and landscaping — approved with conditions |

| The Jumbo Water Tower, Balkerne Passage, Colchester CO1 1PA — 261824 | Listed building application for Repair and redevelopment of Jumbo to create a multifunctional heritageinterpretation and private hire event space. Partial ground floor infill, new staircase and lift… — validated |

| The Jumbo Water Tower, Balkerne Passage, Colchester CO1 1PA — 261841 | Variation of Conditions 2 and 5 of Planning Permission 242060 for the 'repair and redevelopment of Jumbo to createa multifunctional heritage interpretation & private hire event space. Partial ground… — validated |

| The Old Boatyard, 49 High Street, Rowhedge Colchester CO5 7ET — 261831 | Listed building consent application for installation of a new gas mainand semi concealed in ground meter box and gas meter — validated |

| The Old Bookshop, High Street, Dedham Colchester CO7 6HA — 261508 | Listed building consent application for replacement of bay window and front door — approved with conditions |

| The Old Seige House, 75 East Street, Colchester CO1 2TS — 260932 | Redecoration of the east and south elevations, including minor local like-for-like repairs — approved with conditions |

| Unit 4a, Tollgate Centre, Tollgate West, Stanway Colchester — 261835 | Installation of a mezzanine floor for back of house purposes — validated |

| Unit 9, Easter Park, Axial Way, Colchester CO4 5WY — 261829 | Application for Approval of Details Reserved by Condition 6 of approved application 260619 — validated |

| Villa Farm, West End Road, Tiptree Colchester CO5 0QN — 261820 | Proposed replacement dwelling and new tennis court and two temporary caravans for private use — validated |

| West House, 43 South Street, Colchester CO2 7BJ — 261135 | Springfield Porta Cabin used as office space/storage - temporary structure — approved with conditions |

ON THE HIGH STREET

COLCHESTER

Digital advertisement on the real-time passenger information screen at the bus shelter at 25 Head Street — approved with conditions (261420)
Digital advertisement on the real-time passenger information screen at the bus shelter at 41 Head Street — approved with conditions (261418)
Digital advertisement on the real-time passenger information screen at bus shelter 2506 at 29–39 Head Street — approved with conditions (261424)
Digital advertisement on the real-time passenger information screen at the bus shelter outside 119 High Street — approved with conditions (261426)
Digital advertisement on the real-time passenger information screen at the bus shelter outside 120 High Street — approved with conditions (261425)
Mezzanine floor for back-of-house purposes at Unit 4a, Tollgate Centre — validated (261835)
Listed building consent for replacement bay window at The Old Bookshop, High Street, Dedham — approved with conditions (261508)
Canopy to external dining terrace at Coopers Bottom, Coopers Lane, Dedham — approved with conditions (261551)

TENDRING

Shopfront condition discharged at 72–78 Rosemary Road, Clacton-on-Sea — discharge of condition approved (26/01347/DISCON)
Alterations to the shop front at 19 Connaught Avenue, Frinton-on-Sea — validated (26/01595/FUL)
New shop front at 53–55 High Street, Walton-on-the-Naze — validated (26/01594/FUL)
Replacement signage at 29 High Street, Manningtree — refused (26/00823/ADV)

LICENSING

Tendring's licensing delegations record could not be read because its committee site was unavailable. The most recent record read, for 5 – 9 October, stated that the individual determinations were in an attached report that was not listed. Braintree's draft Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Licensing Policy is in Have Your Say.

YOUR MONEY

No new spending decision with a published figure was found in the sources that could be read for this period. Tendring's decision records, where Section 106 and grant decisions are published, were unavailable. Colchester's Portfolio Holder decision on the Military Road contract and the insurance contract extension carry no published value on the decisions register (see Jobs & Tenders).

JOBS & TENDERS

Colchester — 72–86 Military Road. A Portfolio Holder decision of 19 October covers the award of a design and build contract for 72–86 Military Road. The report is exempt, and the register entry does not state the contractor or value. (decision 5081)
Colchester — insurance contract. A Portfolio Holder decision of 22 October covers an extension of the council's insurance contract. The register entry does not state a value. (decision 5095)
Colchester — Cabinet of 21 October. The Cabinet agenda carried the Access PaySuite payment system contract, the St Botolph's Quarter and Holy Trinity Church construction contract arrangements and the Commonstead Trust report, reported in our last issue. Cabinet minutes were not published when this issue was compiled. (Cabinet agenda)

No Tendring or Braintree contract or tender decision could be read for this period.

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 — 527 days from 22 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 planned for May 2027 will go ahead on existing council boundaries.

WHERE THE THREE COUNCILS STAND

Colchester's decisions register lists a motion on Local Government Reorganisation for Full Council on 14 October. Its outcome was not published. Cabinet on 21 October had a recommendation from its LGR Transformation and Transition Panel on its agenda. The Panel next meets on 3 November. (Full Council meeting page, Cabinet agenda)
Tendring's Full Council of 13 October had a motion on the cost of responding to the reorganisation programme. Its outcome could not be read because Tendring's committee site was unavailable.
The Essex LGR Hub, the joint site of the fifteen Greater Essex councils, carries no news later than March 2026. (Essex LGR Hub news)
A search of GOV.UK news and communications on 22 October found no new reorganisation announcement for Essex. (GOV.UK search)

HAVE YOUR SAY

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. Remaining drop-in events, 4pm–8pm:

Wednesday 21 October — Halstead Queens Hall
Monday 26 October — Feering Community Centre
Wednesday 28 October — Kelvedon Institute, Main Hall

Braintree — draft Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Licensing Policy 2026 to 2031 — closes 10 January 2027. The council is consulting on its draft policy. Comments go to [email protected]. (consultations page)

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.

Colchester. Colchester's consultation pages were not re-read for this issue. Our last issue found no document open for consultation on Colchester's portal.

COMING UP

Thursday 22 October, 7.30pm — Tendring Human Resources and Council Tax Committee
Friday 23 October, 10.30am — Tendring Cabinet
Monday 26 October, 7.15pm — Braintree Council (Braintree meetings)
Tuesday 27 October — Braintree Planning Committee, 7.15pm; Colchester Governance and Audit Committee, 6pm; Tendring's Planning Committee was marked cancelled (Colchester meetings)
Wednesday 28 October, 4pm–8pm — Braintree Local Plan 2043 drop-in, Kelvedon Institute
Thursday 29 October — Colchester Environment and Sustainability Panel, 6pm; Braintree Drivers' Panel (Colchester meetings)
Saturday 31 October — Deadline for Colchester's amendments to its Planning Scheme of Delegation, to take effect on 1 November
Tuesday 3 November — Colchester LGR Transformation and Transition Panel (Colchester meetings)
Friday 6 November, 5pm — Braintree Local Plan 2043 Regulation 19 consultation closes
Sunday 8 November — Colchester Bus Station Interchange consultation closes
Tuesday 24 November — Tendring Full Council
Tuesday 8 December — Tendring Community Leadership Overview and Scrutiny Committee

Tendring dates are as listed in our last issue, because Tendring's calendar could not be reloaded. Meeting calendars: Colchester · Tendring · Braintree

HOW IT WORKS

Planning decision types on Colchester's lists

Colchester's weekly lists show a decision type for each decided application. This issue's lists include "Approve Conditional" (approved subject to conditions), "Refuse", "Approve Certificate of Lawful Use or Development" (a certificate that a use or development is lawful), "Discharge of Condition (Approved)" (the council's approval of details required by a condition of an earlier permission) and "Prior Approval Required (Approved)" (a prior approval application where the council's approval was required and given). Each reference in the full register links to that application's own page.

Source: Colchester City Council — weekly planning lists

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.