Launch issue, 21st - 27th September, 2026

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Welcome to the launch issue of The Mid Essex Briefing. Each week it reports the published business of Brentwood Borough Council, Chelmsford City Council and Maldon District Council, together with Essex County Council — committee decisions, planning, spending, contracts and consultations — linked directly to the primary sources.

THIS WEEK AT A GLANCE

• 15 October 2026 — HAVE YOUR SAY: comments close on nine Maldon planning applications advertised on 24 September, including a change of use at 80 High Street, Burnham-on-Crouch.

• 16 October 2026 — HAVE YOUR SAY: comments close on seven Chelmsford planning applications advertised on 24 September, including a replacement foodstore at Lidl Stores, 2 Waterson Vale. Objections to Essex County Council's A414 speed limit order close the same day.

• 25 October 2026 — HAVE YOUR SAY: Maldon's Housing, Homelessness and Rough Sleeping Strategy consultation, open from 28 September.

• 31 October 2026 — HAVE YOUR SAY: Essex County Council's Essex Care Search provider survey.

• IN THE CHAMBER: Maldon's District Planning Committee had two outline applications on its agenda on 22 September; no minutes are published.

• IN THE CHAMBER: Maldon's Central Area Planning Committee had two applications on its agenda on 23 September; the planning record shows both approved.

• IN THE CHAMBER: the Chelmsford Policy Board meeting of 24 September was cancelled.

• IN THE CHAMBER: the call-in period ended on 21 September for Essex County Council decisions on Local Transport Plan 4, the All-Ages Carers Strategy and the Highways Maintenance and Inspections Strategies (county-wide).

• PLANNING WATCH: 144 applications on the three councils' weekly lists (109 decided, 35 validated or received).

• YOUR MONEY: a £9.5m Department for Education grant figure appears in Essex County Council's Best Start in Life decision.

• THE COUNTDOWN: the GOV.UK reorganisation page was last updated on 7 September 2026; no change was found in the week.

• COMING UP: Chelmsford's Licensing Committee hears two premises licence applications for Wheelers Farm, Little Waltham, on Friday 2 October.

NUMBER OF THE WEEK

£9.5m — the Department for Education grant figure in Essex County Council's decision on Best Start in Life programme funding for 2026/27 to 2028/29 (county-wide; family hubs). Source: Decision 11132

IN THE CHAMBER

BRENTWOOD

Brentwood's committee papers site did not load on 29 September, so committee business for the week beginning 21 September is not reported. Brentwood runs a committee system.

CHELMSFORD

CHELMSFORD POLICY BOARD MEETING OF 24 SEPTEMBER CANCELLED (Cancelled meeting — Chelmsford Policy Board)

Chelmsford City Council's meeting list shows the Chelmsford Policy Board meeting listed for 24 September 2026 at 7pm as cancelled. The meeting page states that the Board will next meet on 5 November 2026. No reason is stated. No other Chelmsford committee meeting was listed between 21 and 27 September.

Source: Chelmsford Policy Board (September 2026) — cancelled

MALDON

DISTRICT PLANNING COMMITTEE HAD TWO OUTLINE APPLICATIONS ON ITS AGENDA ON 22 SEPTEMBER (Committee — Special District Planning Committee)

The Special District Planning Committee, one of Maldon District Council's four planning committees, was scheduled for 22 September 2026 at 7.30 pm in the Council Chamber. Its agenda lists two items, each with a report of the Director of Place, Planning and Growth, an addendum and a presentation: 25/00607/OUTM, Land 100M East of 53 Seagers, Great Totham (item 5), and 26/00138/OUTM, Land South of Threeways and 45 The Street, Latchingdon (item 6). The meeting page carries an agenda and a recording link; no minutes are published, so the outcomes are not reported. The committee's next listed dates are a special meeting on 15 October and a special meeting on 28 October; a special meeting listed for 30 September is cancelled.

Source: District Planning Committee, 22 September 2026 — agenda

CENTRAL AREA PLANNING COMMITTEE HAD TWO APPLICATIONS ON ITS AGENDA ON 23 SEPTEMBER (Committee — Central Area Planning Committee)

The Central Area Planning Committee, another of Maldon's four planning committees, was scheduled for 23 September 2026 at 7.30 pm. Its agenda lists 26/00406/VAR, Suez Depot, The Promenade Park (item 5), and 26/00372/FUL, Land at Walnut Tree Cottage, 44 Beeleigh Road (item 6). Maldon's planning record shows both applications approved: 26/00372/FUL on 24 September and 26/00406/VAR on 25 September (see PLANNING WATCH). No minutes are published for the meeting.

Source: Central Area Planning Committee, 23 September 2026 — agenda

The Strategy and Resources Committee is listed for 24 September 2026 at 7.30 pm; no agenda, reports or minutes are published on its meeting list. Source: Strategy and Resources Committee meetings

ESSEX COUNTY COUNCIL

Items below are county-wide unless a district is named. Decision records show the call-in period for the Cabinet decisions taken at the meeting of 16 September ended on 21 September.

LOCAL TRANSPORT PLAN 4: RECOMMENDATION THAT ADOPTION GOES TO FULL COUNCIL (Cabinet decision — county-wide, key decision)

Essex County Council's decisions register records decision FP/112/05/24 as Decision confirmed. The decision recommends that adoption of Local Transport Plan 4 is taken to Full Council. The register lists the portfolio as Highways and Infrastructure and the decision as a key decision. The record states that Local Transport Plan 3 was adopted in 2011.

Source: Decision 10066 — Local Transport Plan 4

ALL-AGES CARERS STRATEGY 2026 AND A SINGLE LEAD PROVIDER FOR UNPAID CARERS' SERVICES (Cabinet decision — county-wide, key decision)

Essex County Council's decisions register records decision FP/047/03/26 as Decision confirmed. The decision concerns the All-Ages Carers Strategy 2026 and the procurement of a single lead provider for unpaid carers' services. The register lists the portfolio as Adult Social Care and the decision as a key decision.

Source: Decision 10959 — All-Ages Carers Strategy 2026

REVISED HIGHWAYS MAINTENANCE AND INSPECTIONS STRATEGIES (Portfolio decision — county-wide, key decision)

Essex County Council's decisions register records decision FP/140/07/26, on the revised Highways Maintenance and Inspections Strategies, as a key decision. The call-in period ended on 21 September 2026.

Source: Decision 11118 — Highways Maintenance and Inspections Strategies

DEVELOPMENT AND REGULATION COMMITTEE, 25 SEPTEMBER (Committee — county planning, county-wide items)

The Development and Regulation Committee met on 25 September 2026. Its agenda includes a report (DR/18/26) on the Triage Scheme, Gateway Protocol and Nomination Arrangements under the Town and Country Planning (Discharge of Local Planning Authority Functions) (England) Regulations 2026, and the applications, enforcement and appeals statistics report. The agenda also carries a site-specific item outside this briefing's area. Outcomes are not reported here.

Source: Development and Regulation Committee, 25 September 2026

FIVE OFFICER EXECUTIVE DECISIONS RECORDED 24 AND 25 SEPTEMBER (Officer decisions — county-wide, no subject published)

Essex County Council's decisions register lists five officer executive decisions numbered 2050 to 2054, taken on 24 and 25 September 2026. The register carries no subject or division for any of them. The lead officers' service areas are given as TravelEssex marketing and communications (2050), Development Management (2051 and 2054), Highways & Transport delivery support (2052) and executive assistant (2053). Records: 2050, 2051, 2052, 2053, 2054.

Source: Decision 11187 — officer executive decision 2050

HIGHWAY ORDERS AND NOTICES IN BRENTWOOD (Statutory notice — highways, Brentwood)

A notice published on 23 September 2026 states that Essex County Council confirmed a Public Path Diversion Order for Bridleway 183 Brentwood on 14 September. The alternative route comes into force on 13 October 2026 and the old route is stopped up from 20 October. The notice states that a person aggrieved may apply to the High Court within six weeks from 24 September. The same notice gives notice of an intended temporary closure of Alexander Lane, Shenfield, scheduled to start on 24 October 2026 for nine days for bellmouth reconstruction works, and of an intended temporary closure of Essex Way, Great Warley, scheduled to start on 19 October 2026 for three days. Further orders are listed in the notice.

Source: Essex - Public Path Diversion Order (notice of 23 September 2026)

HIGHWAY ORDERS AND NOTICES IN CHELMSFORD (Statutory notice — highways, Chelmsford)

A notice published on 24 September 2026 lists Essex County Council traffic orders, including: Byway 51, Little Waltham, closed from 1 October 2026 to 1 April 2027 because of an unsafe river crossing; the A131 Great Leighs Bypass closed from the London Road roundabout to the Moulsham Hall Lane roundabout from 18:00 on 2 October to 05:00 on 3 October for filming; Birch Lane, Stock, closed for five days from 19 October for Openreach duct-laying works; and a contraflow on Chelmsford Road, Chelmer Village, for nine days from 24 October for UK Power Networks works. The notice also proposes to make permanent the current temporary speed limits on the A414 between Harlow and Chelmsford and various side roads; objections quoting reference TRAF/8937 are invited by 16 October 2026. Further orders are listed in the notice.

Source: Essex - Multiple Traffic Notices (notice of 24 September 2026)

Essex County Council's calendar also lists the Audit, Governance and Standards Committee (21 September) and the Essex Health and Wellbeing Board (23 September); their business is not reported in this issue. Source: Calendar of meetings

PLANNING WATCH

This section covers planning applications in Brentwood, Chelmsford and Maldon; county minerals, waste and the county council's own development in the three districts; and the three councils' Local Plans.

The week covered is the councils' weekly lists for the week beginning Monday 21 September 2026 (Brentwood's list for the same week is dated from the Sunday before). Each council publishes its register weekly, and a list can include applications validated earlier. Every decision reported below was issued between Monday 21 and Sunday 27 September.

The councils' weekly lists are at Brentwood, Chelmsford and Maldon.

Comment windows are stated in each council's statutory notice. The Maldon notice of 24 September closes on 15 October 2026 and the Chelmsford notice of 24 September closes on 16 October 2026. Brentwood's notice dated 23 September states no closing date.

Every application link below goes to the application's own page on the council's planning system, and every notice link goes to the notice itself.

Brentwood's committee papers site did not load on 29 September. The Essex County Council planning register for county development in the three districts was not read for this issue, so no county matters are reported for the week.

LOCAL PLANS

Chelmsford Local Plan 2022–2041. The council's examination timeline records that on 25 September 2026 it added PostS004, a notice of commencement of independent examination hearings (Regulation 24). The timeline also records that the plan was submitted to the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government on 5 June 2026. Source: Latest news and timeline; PostS004 notice of commencement

Maldon new Local Plan. No Local Plan document dated 21 to 27 September was found. Source: Maldon District Council news

Brentwood adopted Local Plan. The council's page states that the Brentwood Local Plan 2016-2033 was adopted on 23 March 2022 and forms part of the statutory development plan. Source: Adopted Local Plan

BRENTWOOD

CHANGE OF USE OF ST ANDREWS METHODIST CHURCH, HERONGATE, TO A CHILDREN'S DAY NURSERY (Change of use — public-facing)

Brentwood Borough Council recorded 25/01392/FUL as Application permitted on 21 September 2026. The application, validated on 4 December 2025, proposes a change of use of St Andrews Methodist Church, Billericay Road, Herongate, and its associated curtilage from a church (Class F1 (f)) to a children's day nursery (Class E (f)), with internal alterations and a partial change of use of an allotment site to provide a car park. The description lists further works; see the application.

Source: Application 25/01392/FUL — Brentwood planning record

OFFICE-TO-FLATS PRIOR NOTIFICATIONS AT 2-8 HIGH STREET AND 2-6 INGRAVE ROAD, BRENTWOOD (Prior approval — change of use to residential, Class MA)

Brentwood Borough Council recorded two prior notifications under Schedule 2, Part 3, Class MA for the upper floors at 2-8 High Street and 2-6 Ingrave Road as Prior approval is not required on 25 September 2026. 26/00829/PNCOU concerns the change of use of the former offices (B1a) at first and second floor level at 2-8 High Street and first floor level at 2-6 Ingrave Road to form 20 apartments (C3). 26/00830/PNCOU concerns the change of use of the former offices (B1a) at first and second floor level to form 4 apartments (C3). Both were validated on 27 July 2026.

Source: Application 26/00829/PNCOU; Application 26/00830/PNCOU

PRIOR APPROVAL REFUSED FOR 10 RESIDENTIAL UNITS AT BOIS HALL BARNS, NAVESTOCK (Prior approval — agricultural building to 10 dwellings, Class Q)

Brentwood Borough Council recorded 26/00790/PNCOU, a prior notification for the change of use of an agricultural building at Bois Hall Barns, Dudbrook Road, Navestock, to 10 residential units under Schedule 2, Part 3, Class Q, as Prior approval is required - refused on 22 September 2026. The application was validated on 31 July 2026.

Source: Application 26/00790/PNCOU

MOTOCROSS TRACK PROPOSED AT KELVEDON HALL, KELVEDON HATCH (Major development — leisure use, retrospective, statutory notice)

A statutory planning notice dated 23 September 2026 lists 26/00801/FUL, for the creation and operation of a motocross track and practice track and the retention of three ancillary outbuildings (retrospective), at Kelvedon Hall, Kelvedon Hall Lane, Kelvedon Hatch. The notice gives the reasons for advertising as Affects the setting of a Listed Building and Major Development. The notice states no closing date for comments.

Source: Brentwood - Multiple Planning Applications For Listed Building (notice dated 23 September 2026)

BRENTWOOD — STATUTORY NOTICE ROUND-UP

• Barn conversion to two dwellings at Great Warley (Clare House, Warley Lea Farm) — advertised as adjoining a conservation area and affecting the setting of a listed building (26/00902/FUL)
• Single storey and part two storey side extension at Ingatestone (5 Station Lane) — advertised as adjoining a conservation area and affecting the setting of a listed building (26/00908/HHA)
• Internal and external refurbishment at Mountnessing (The George and Dragon Public House, 294 Roman Road) — advertised as a listed building and affecting the setting of a listed building (26/00807/LBC)
• Replacement mains water supply and septic tank replaced by a sewage treatment plant at Navestock (1 & 2 Randalls Farm Cottages) — advertised as a listed building (26/00797/LBC)

BRENTWOOD — HOUSEHOLDER ROUND-UP

• Proposed first floor extension, and single storey side and rear extension, with aesthetic alterations at Blackmore — Application permitted, 25 September (26/00075/HHA)
• Installation of 8 roof-mounted PV solar panels at Blackmore — Application permitted, 25 September (26/00720/HHA)
• Proposed outbuilding/hobby room to the rear of the garden at Brentwood — Application permitted, 25 September (26/00779/HHA)
• Single storey rear extension and alterations to fenestration at Brentwood — Application permitted, 25 September (26/00849/HHA)
• Demolition of existing garage and construct two-storey side extension incorporating two front dormers and… at Hutton — Application permitted, 22 September (26/00848/HHA)
• Demolition of existing detached garage. Construct part two-storey and single-storey front, side and rear… at Shenfield — Application permitted, 25 September (26/00737/HHA)
• Raise ridge to create first floor accommodation with two storey front extension, front and rear dormers… at Stondon Massey — Application refused, 25 September (26/00785/HHA)
• Single storey rear extension. The proposed extension would extend 6m beyond the rear wall of the original… at Warley — Prior approval is not required, 25 September (26/00847/PN42)

BRENTWOOD — LAWFUL DEVELOPMENT CERTIFICATE ROUND-UP

• Application for a Lawful Development Certificate for a Proposed Use or Development for a loft conversion with… at Brentwood — Lawful, 25 September (26/00842/S192)
• Application for a Lawful Development Certificate for a Proposed Use or Development for the replacement of… at Hutton — Lawful, 25 September (26/00607/S192)
• Application for a Lawful Development Certificate for a proposed use or development for changes to fenestration at Hutton — Lawful, 22 September (26/00746/S192)
• Application for a Lawful Development Certificate for a Proposed Use or Development for the construction of a… at Hutton — Lawful, 23 September (26/00832/S192)
• Application for a Lawful Development Certificate for a Proposed Use or Development for the change of rear… at Pilgrims Hatch — Lawful, 22 September (26/00817/S192)
• Application for a Lawful Development Certificate for a Proposed Use or Development for a hip to gable loft… at Shenfield — Lawful, 25 September (26/00862/S192)

BRENTWOOD — TREE WORKS ROUND-UP

• T1- Third party Oak (Quercus)- Selectively prune back to suitable pruning points on north side of canopy by… at Hutton — Application permitted, 23 September (26/00602/TPO)
• T1 Oak - To be reduced back to previous pruning points approx 2/3m TPO Number: TPO10/1994 at Hutton — validated 23 September (26/00887/TPO)
• T14 Fig - Reduce by approx 2m back to appropriate growth points to clear buildingT1 Common ash - Crown Lift… at Hutton — No objections, 25 September (26/00891/CAT)
• T1 Lime Reduce by 30% back to previous pruning pointsT2 Maple Reduce by 20% back to previous pruning points… at Ingatestone — Application permitted, 25 September (26/00909/TPO)

BRENTWOOD — OTHER APPLICATIONS

• Discharge of Condition 20 (External Plant) of application 18/00859/FUL (Mixed use development compromising of… at Brentwood — Application refused, 22 September (18/00859/COND/5)
• Two storey extension and conversion of existing house into 2 no 3 bed flats (part-retrospective) at Brentwood — validated 22 September (26/00836/FUL)
• Demolition of existing bungalow and construction of 2no. semi-detached dwellings with associated parking and… at Brentwood — validated 24 September (26/00934/FUL)
• Prior Notification Application under Class R for Change of Use of agricultural building to flexible… at Doddinghurst — Prior approval is required/given, 22 September (26/00810/PNCOU)
• Discharge of Condition 11 (Further Details) of application 20/01566/FUL (13 no. dwellings on west side of car… at Great Warley — validated 22 September (20/01566/COND/5)
• Discharge of Condition 4 (Sustainable Drainage Features) of application 26/00517/HHA (Single storey rear… at Hutton — Application permitted, 22 September (26/00517/COND/1)
• Demolition of existing dwelling and construction of a replacement dwelling including basement, external… at Hutton — validated 23 September (26/00915/FUL)
• Non-material amendment to planning permission 22/01324/FUL to amend condition 2 (approved plans) to… at Shenfield — Application permitted, 23 September (22/01324/NON/2)

BRENTWOOD — FULL REGISTER (30 APPLICATIONS)

Brentwood's weekly lists for the week held 30 applications, 25 decided and 5 validated; none was excluded. Applications named only in the statutory notice above are not in this register.

CHELMSFORD

CONDITIONS DISCHARGED FOR MATERIALS AND DETAILS AT CHANNELS LODGE, CHELMSFORD GARDEN COMMUNITY (Condition discharge — Chelmsford Garden Community)

Chelmsford City Council recorded two condition discharge applications at Channels Lodge, Belsteads Farm Lane, Chelmsford Garden Community, as Conditions discharged on 24 September 2026. 25/01705/DOC/1 covers Condition 3 (Materials) and Condition 5 (Large scale drawings — Door, Eaves, Verge & Plinth) and was received on 3 September. 25/01704/DOC/1 covers Condition 3 (Materials) and was received on 2 September.

Source: Application 25/01705/DOC/1; Application 25/01704/DOC/1

CONDITION 4 DETAILS DISCHARGED FOR HANNINGFIELD LTD, SOUTHEND ROAD, EAST HANNINGFIELD (Condition discharge — named operator)

Chelmsford City Council recorded 21/00555/DOC/9 at Hanningfield Ltd, Southend Road, East Hanningfield, as Conditions discharged on 24 September 2026. The application concerns Condition 4, details of the final location, design, materials and acoustic attenuation, including panel arrays, transformers, inverters, control room, substations, power conversion system, HVAC unit and auxiliary buildings. It was received on 23 July 2026.

Source: Application 21/00555/DOC/9

SECURITY FENCING, TWO STANDBY GENERATORS AND A FUEL STORAGE TANK PERMITTED AT VISTEON ENGINEERING SERVICES, CHELMER VILLAGE (Named operator — site works)

Chelmsford City Council recorded 26/00997/FUL as Application permitted on 24 September 2026. The application, received on 3 August, proposes 2.43m high security fencing with a pedestrian gate and a vehicular sliding gate, and the installation of two standby generators and a fuel storage tank, at Visteon Engineering Services Ltd, 1 Springfield Lyons Approach, Chelmer Village.

Source: Application 26/00997/FUL

BT STREET HUB AND ADVERTISEMENT APPLICATIONS REFUSED AT BACKNANG SQUARE (Named operator — street furniture)

Chelmsford City Council recorded two applications at the BT Global Hub Sign at Backnang Square as Application refused on 25 September 2026. 26/00967/FUL was for the installation of a new global street hub. 26/00968/ADV was for the installation of one BT Street Hub unit and associated illuminated advertisement panels on either side of the unit. Both were received on 15 July.

Source: Application 26/00967/FUL; Application 26/00968/ADV

RETROSPECTIVE CANOPY REFUSED AT NISALOCAL, 40-42 DUKE STREET (Named operator — shopfront)

Chelmsford City Council recorded 26/01040/FUL, retrospective consent for an existing external canopy to the shopfront at Nisalocal, 40 - 42 Duke Street, as Application refused on 23 September 2026. The application was received on 30 July.

Source: Application 26/01040/FUL

TEMPORARY BELLMOUTHS PROPOSED ON CHELMSFORD ROAD, GREAT WALTHAM (Infrastructure with a construction phase)

Chelmsford City Council's weekly list shows 26/01193/FUL, for the construction of temporary bellmouths TB-B094 and TB-B095 on Chelmsford Road with associated vegetation clearance, at Land South of Windmill House, Chelmsford Road, Great Waltham, as received on 21 September 2026. The status is Pending consideration.

Source: Application 26/01193/FUL

RESERVED MATTERS RECEIVED FOR A COMMERCIAL DEVELOPMENT NORTH OF SANDON LODGE, WOODHILL ROAD, SANDON (Reserved matters — commercial outline of up to 46,605sqm)

Chelmsford City Council's weekly list shows 26/01076/REM, an application for reserved matters of appearance, landscaping, layout and scale, as received on 21 September 2026. It relates to appeal reference APP/W1525/W/25/3368272 and council reference 24/01768/OUT, an outline planning application for a commercial development of up to 46,605sqm. The site is Land North of Sandon Lodge, Woodhill Road, Sandon. The status is Pending consideration.

Source: Application 26/01076/REM

DRAINAGE REQUIREMENTS 11 AND 24 RECORDED FOR LAND NORTH OF THE A12, BOREHAM (Infrastructure with a construction phase — requirement discharge)

Two records concern Land North of A12 East of Waltham Road, Boreham. 22/00001/REQ/22 (Requirement 11, Surface and foul water drainage) appears on the list for 25 September 2026 with no outcome stated; it was received on 21 May. RE22/00001/REQ/11 (Requirement 24, Drainage) is recorded as Conditions discharged on 23 September; it was received on 12 February. The records do not name the project.

Source: Record 22/00001/REQ/22; Record RE22/00001/REQ/11

REPLACEMENT LIDL FOODSTORE PROPOSED AT 2 WATERSON VALE, CHELMSFORD (Major development — named operator, statutory notice)

A statutory planning notice of Chelmsford City Council published on 24 September 2026 lists 26/01199/FUL, for the demolition of existing buildings and the erection of a replacement foodstore with associated vehicle access, car parking, landscaping, engineering and drainage works, at Lidl Stores, 2 Waterson Vale, Chelmsford. The notice lists it under Major development. Comments can be submitted on the council's website or by post to P.O. Box 7544, Chelmsford, CM1 1JE, by 16 October 2026.

Source: Chelmsford - Planning Application For Development Management Procedure (notice of 24 September 2026)

CHELMSFORD — STATUTORY NOTICE ROUND-UP

• 17 High Street signage at Chelmsford — advertised in the notice of 24 September (26/01201/ADV)
• Solar panels at St Josephs Nursing Home, Gay Bowers Road, Danbury — advertised in the notice of 24 September (26/01215/LBC)
• Conversion of two dwellings into one house at Imbirds Cottages, Southern Cross Road, Good Easter — advertised in the notice of 24 September (26/01164/FUL)
• Nine solar panels at Cobblers Mill Road, Good Easter — advertised in the notice of 24 September (26/01174/FUL)
• EV charger at St Michaels Cottage, The Street, Pleshey — advertised in the notice of 24 September (26/01197/LBC)
• Demolition of a conservatory and construction of a rear extension, side extension and alterations to fenestration at La Deuxieme, 112 Downham Road, Ramsden Heath — advertised in the notice of 24 September (26/01179/FUL)

CHELMSFORD — HOUSEHOLDER ROUND-UP

• The construction of a single storey rear extension, which would extend beyond the rear wall of the original… at Chelmsford — received 22 September (26/00030/HHPA)
• Proposed new 3m wide crossover at Chelmsford — Application permitted, 21 September (26/00860/FUL)
• Garage conversion to habitable space with alterations to fenestration at Chelmsford — Application permitted, 22 September (26/00949/FUL)
• Proposed single storey and part two storey extension to rear of dwelling with alterations to fenestration at Chelmsford — Application permitted, 22 September (26/00991/FUL)
• Single storey rear extension and new first floor rear Juliet balcony at Chelmsford — Application permitted, 21 September (26/01013/FUL)
• Proposed replacement porch and front & rear gables with side facing dormers to form habitable space within… at Chelmsford — Application refused, 21 September (26/01022/FUL)
• The removal of the existing conservatory. Proposed single storey side and rear extension at Chelmsford — Application permitted, 22 September (26/01025/FUL)
• Proposed single storey side extension at Chelmsford — Application permitted, 24 September (26/01061/FUL)
• Retention of raised terrace to rear of house together with provision of a new brick boundary wall and brick… at Chignal St James — Application permitted, 22 September (26/00639/FUL)
• Retrospective application for an extension at Downham — Application permitted, 22 September (26/01016/FUL)
• First floor part left side dormer extension with alterations to fenestration. Single storey front porch… at Great Baddow — Application permitted, 22 September (26/00993/FUL)
• Proposed single storey rear extension at Great Baddow — received 25 September (26/01056/FUL)
• Retrospective application for replacement boundary fence and access gates into existing vehicular access at Little Baddow — Application permitted, 25 September (26/00738/FUL)
• Single storey rear extension and conversion of the existing loft space with three front facing roof lights at Margaretting — Application permitted, 22 September (26/00912/FUL)
• Two storey rear extension and alterations to roof including the addition of dormer windows to side. Changes… at Margaretting — Application permitted, 22 September (26/01032/FUL)
• Proposed part single storey, part two storey front, side and rear extension at Roxwell — Application refused, 22 September (26/00998/FUL)
• Single storey rear extension with roof lights, partial conversion of existing garage, loft conversion with… at Runwell — Application refused, 22 September (26/00961/FUL)
• Proposed Ancillary Garden Room at Runwell — Application permitted, 24 September (26/01036/FUL)
• Proposed garage extension at Sandon — Application permitted, 22 September (26/00980/FUL)
• Part single storey and part two storey extension, with part garage conversion into habitable space.… at Sandon — Application permitted, 23 September (26/01000/FUL)
• The construction of a single storey rear extension, which would extend beyond the rear wall of the original… at West Hanningfield — received 23 September (26/00031/HHPA)

CHELMSFORD — TREE WORKS ROUND-UP

• T2 Willow (T1 on map) - Fell. Reason: Structural condition is incompatible with long term retention in a… at Chelmsford — Application refused, 22 September (26/05106/TPO)
• G3 Limes x3 (3970,1615,3971) - Re-pollard back to previous points by max 4m.G2 Limes x2 (7794,3974)… at Chelmsford — Application permitted, 23 September (26/05160/TPO)
• G1 x9 Lime- Reduce by 4 m to previous Pollard points. Remove all epicormic, basal and trunk growth to leave… at Chelmsford — received 25 September (26/05197/TPO)
• G1 - Oak (Marked T1,T2,T3,T4)( in neighbouring property) - Remove deadwood >100mm diameter from the central… at Danbury — Application permitted, 22 September (26/05157/TPO)
• T1 - Alder/Horse Chestnut-Reduce lateral branches back by 2.5m at Danbury — No objection, 22 September (26/05666/CAT)
• Lime (Marked T1) - Climbing inspection. Remove branches in the east toward dwelling. Remove Deadwood… at Good Easter — received 25 September (26/05690/CAT)
• T1 oak - Reduce the western aspect overhanging the rear garden of No.9 Apple Way, 1.5 - 2 m back to previous… at Great Baddow — Application permitted, 25 September (26/05168/TPO)
• T2 - Lime - up to 3.5 m crown reduction to suitable pruning points. Reduce laterals to suitable pruning… at Little Waltham — Application permitted, 25 September (26/05166/TPO)
• Lime - Fell to ground level. Reason: Trunk is rotten and hollow. High risk tree will fall onto house or cars at Little Waltham — No objection, 22 September (26/05668/CAT)
• Willow - Pollard back to 5m. Reason: Broken limbs due to weather conditions at Little Waltham — received 21 September (26/05688/CAT)
• T4- T6, T13 and T14 - Oak - 5m reduction on the south east / south west side - Reason: Have grown unbalanced, at Margaretting — received 25 September (26/05176/TPO)
• T1 Willow - Fell and grind out stumpT8 Sycamore - Fell and treat stump with eco-plugs at Sandon — No objection, 22 September (26/05665/CAT)
• T20 Copper Beech - Pollard tree at 5m and to remain as a habitat pole. Tree to be monitored and inspected… at South Hanningfield — Application permitted, 21 September (26/05174/TPO)
• Hawthorn and wild plum - Height reduction of 2.5-3m to previous pruning points - Reason: Overgrown affecting… at Writtle — No objection, 22 September (26/05667/CAT)

CHELMSFORD — CONDITION DISCHARGE ROUND-UP

• Condition 3 - BNG Plan at Boreham — Conditions discharged, 25 September (25/01028/DOC/3)
• Condition 5 - Boundary treatments, Condition 6 - Storage of refuse and recyclable materials, Condition 9… at Chelmsford — Conditions discharged, 24 September (25/01229/DOC/2)
• Condition 3 - Materials, Condition 5 - Contamination & Condition 11 - Construction Management Plan at Chelmsford — Conditions discharged, 24 September (25/01456/DOC/1)
• Condition 10 - Hard and Soft Landscaping at Chelmsford — Conditions discharged, 25 September (26/00299/DOC/2)
• Condition 3 - Materials Condition 4 - Large scale drawings - Fenestration, including elevations, the setback… at Chignal Smealy — Conditions discharged, 25 September (26/00568/DOC/1)
• Condition 7 - Precautionary Method Statement at Downham — Conditions discharged, 25 September (25/01668/DOC/1)
• Condition 3 - Large scale drawings at Great Waltham — Conditions discharged, 25 September (25/01713/DOC/1)
• Condition 3 - Large Scale drawings replacement windows and external doors at Little Baddow — received 22 September (26/00838/DOC/1)
• Condition 3 - External Materials at Writtle — Conditions discharged, 25 September (26/00468/DOC/1)

CHELMSFORD — LAWFUL DEVELOPMENT CERTIFICATE ROUND-UP

• Erection of like for like works including replacement of existing panels and works to balcony desking and… at Chelmsford — Application refused, 22 September (26/00208/CLOPUD)
• 3m Single storey rear extension and erection of an outbuilding at Chelmsford — Application permitted, 21 September (26/00983/CLOPUD)
• Single storey rear extension at Chelmsford — received 22 September (26/01249/CLOPUD)
• The proposed works involve the replacement of five existing windows within my leasehold maisonette/flat. The… at Chelmsford — received 22 September (26/01267/CLOPUD)
• Certificate of lawfulness to regularise an existing outbuilding that is a single story ancillary building at… at Stock — Application refused, 23 September (26/01014/CLEUD)

CHELMSFORD — NEW HOMES ROUND-UP

• Demolition of existing dwelling and the construction of one new self-build residential dwelling, with… at Boreham — Application permitted, 25 September (25/00744/FUL)
• Construction of a new detached dwelling with associated parking, cart lodge and landscaping. New vehicular… at Roxwell — received 22 September (26/01195/FUL)
• Permission in Principle for one self build residential dwelling at Stock — Application refused, 21 September (26/01116/PIP)
• Demolition of existing dwelling, garage, concrete store outbuilding and shed, and the construction of a… at West Hanningfield — Application permitted, 22 September (26/01030/FUL)

CHELMSFORD — OTHER APPLICATIONS

• Determination as to whether the prior approval for the proposed change of use of agricultural poultry unit to… at Bicknacre — received 22 September (26/01295/CUPAQ)
• Non-material amendment to planning permission 20/02068/FUL - (Front extension and part single storey part two… at Broomfield — Application refused, 22 September (20/02068/NMAT/2)
• Non-material amendment to planning application 25/00486/FUL (Proposed single storey rear extension, front… at Chelmsford — Application permitted, 23 September (25/00486/NMAT/1)
• Variation of condition 2 to approved planning application 25/00152/FUL (Single storey rear extension)… at Chelmsford — Application permitted, 24 September (26/00152/S73)
• Change of use from two residential flats to one residential dwelling and single storey rear extension at Chelmsford — Application permitted, 22 September (26/00923/FUL)
• Alteration to existing front window to a timber door with external steps at Chelmsford — received 24 September (26/01196/FUL)
• Variation of condition 2 to approved planning application 24/01620/FUL (Construction of 1 detached dwelling… at Danbury — Application permitted, 23 September (24/01620/S73)
• Construction of entrance gates to the site at Downham — received 23 September (26/01130/FUL)
• Erection of a detached single-storey, single-occupancy care unit with associated patio, access paths… at East Hanningfield — received 22 September (26/01233/FUL)
• Variation of condition 2 to approved planning application 26/00129/FUL (Two storey side and rear extension.… at Great Waltham — Application permitted, 24 September (26/00129/S73)
• Retrospective application for change of use of land to residential for two Gypsy Traveller families including… at Highwood — Application refused, 24 September (26/00869/FUL)
• Construction of two general purpose agricultural storage buildings at Margaretting — received 24 September (26/01305/AG)
• Change of use of the land to keeping of horses, and the erection of stables ancillary to that use. Creation… at Rettendon — Application permitted, 25 September (26/00540/FUL)
• Condition 9 - Maintenance PlanCondition 12 - Public Art StatementCondition 18 - Replacement PlantingCondition… at Woodham Ferrers — no outcome stated on the list, 25 September (24/01522/DOC/5)
• Woodside Cottage Southend Road Woodham Mortimer Maldon - Demolition of existing detached 6 bed dwelling to… at Woodham Mortimer — received 24 September (26/01306/OBS3)

Chelmsford's Article 4 direction notice of 24 September is reported under HOW IT WORKS.

CHELMSFORD — FULL REGISTER (79 APPLICATIONS)

Chelmsford's weekly lists for the week held 79 applications in the three districts, 60 decided and 19 received; one further entry on the lists concerns land outside the three districts and is not reproduced. Entry 26/01306/OBS3 is a consultation from Maldon District Council on land at Woodham Mortimer. Applications named only in the statutory notice above are not in this register.

MALDON

OUTLINE PERMISSION FOR UP TO 200 DWELLINGS OPPOSITE PRENTICE HALL FARM, TOLLESBURY (Outline planning — up to 200 dwellings)

Maldon District Council's planning record for 25/01057/OUTM shows the status Application approved and the decision approved subject to s106, issued on 22 September 2026. The application, validated on 2 December 2025, is an outline application with access for consideration for a residential development of up to 200 dwellings (Use Class C3), with associated access, landscaping, amenity space, drainage and associated works, at Land Opposite Prentice Hall Farm, Prentice Hall Lane, Tollesbury. The outcome is reported from the planning record; the District Planning Committee agenda of 22 September does not list this application.

Source: Application 25/01057/OUTM

VARIATION OF CONDITION 5 APPROVED FOR THE SUEZ DEPOT, PROMENADE PARK, MALDON (Committee-determined — named operator)

Maldon District Council recorded 26/00406/VAR as Approved on 25 September 2026, after the application appeared on the agenda of the Central Area Planning Committee on 23 September. The application varies condition 5 of planning permission 16/00234/FUL, which itself varied condition 9 of FUL/MAL/11/00334 to permit the Waste Refuse Contract, which operates out of Maldon Depot, to operate for an additional hour between 18:00 and 19:00 Tuesday to Saturday (excluding Bank Holidays). The new application is to enable operation between 06:00 and 18:00 hours on up to two Bank Holiday Mondays in any calendar year. It was validated on 18 June 2026. The site is the Suez Depot, Parks Trading Unit Workshop, The Depot, The Promenade Park, Park Drive, Maldon.

Source: Application 26/00406/VAR; Central Area Planning Committee, 23 September 2026 — agenda

SELF-BUILD SINGLE STOREY DWELLING APPROVED AT 44 BEELEIGH ROAD, MALDON (Committee-determined — new dwelling)

Maldon District Council recorded 26/00372/FUL as Approved on 24 September 2026, after the application appeared on the agenda of the Central Area Planning Committee on 23 September. The application, validated on 12 June 2026, is for the demolition of an outbuilding and the erection of a self-build single storey dwelling with outbuilding and associated landscaping at Land at Walnut Tree Cottage, 44 Beeleigh Road, Maldon.

Source: Application 26/00372/FUL; Central Area Planning Committee, 23 September 2026 — agenda

CHANGE OF USE OF SMALL STEPS DAY CARE, MUNDON, TO A BUNGALOW REFUSED (Change of use — public-facing)

Maldon District Council recorded 26/00504/FUL as Refused on 21 September 2026. The application, validated on 27 July 2026, proposed a change of use of the former children's day nursery at Small Steps Day Care, Little Wycke Farm, Blind Lane, Mundon, to a one-bedroom bungalow with associated landscaping and parking.

Source: Application 26/00504/FUL

SHOP FRONT WORKS APPROVED AT TEMPLEMAN GALLERIES, 54 HIGH STREET, BURNHAM-ON-CROUCH (Named operator — shopfront)

Maldon District Council recorded 26/00442/FUL as Approved on 21 September 2026. The application, validated on 27 July 2026, covers repainting of the shop front, replacement of the existing timber door and adjacent window with an aluminium door, replacement signage to the shop front and the retrospective installation of an air conditioning unit to the rear at Templeman Galleries, 54 High Street, Burnham-on-Crouch.

Source: Application 26/00442/FUL

AIR CONDITIONING UNIT APPROVED AT MANYTHINGS, 165 STATION ROAD, BURNHAM-ON-CROUCH (Named operator — plant)

Maldon District Council recorded 26/00417/FUL, for the installation of an air conditioning unit at Manythings, 165 Station Road, Burnham-on-Crouch, as Approved on 24 September 2026. The application was validated on 10 July 2026.

Source: Application 26/00417/FUL

SECTION 106 MODIFICATION APPLICATIONS ADVERTISED, INCLUDING THE GOLF DRIVING RANGE, WOODHAM MORTIMER (Statutory notice — section 106 variation and removal)

A Maldon District Council notice dated 24 September 2026 advertises three applications to modify or discharge section 106 agreements. 26/00606/MLA, Golf Driving Range, Burnham Road, Woodham Mortimer, would vary the section 106 agreement attached to outline permission 22/00482/OUT to replace on-site affordable housing units with an agreed financial contribution for off-site affordable housing; the notice states no other changes to the approved development are proposed. 26/00641/MLA and 26/00642/MLA, both at Jepcracks Barns, Church Road, Great Totham, would remove section 106 agreements dated 4 February 2010 and 30 August 2012 to remove holiday occupancy restrictions and permit unrestricted residential occupation. Comments close on 15 October 2026. 26/00642/MLA was also validated on 24 September, per its planning record.

Source: Maldon - Multiple Planning Applications (notice of 24 September 2026); Application 26/00642/MLA

CHANGE OF USE AND EXTENSION PROPOSED AT BELLA'S ITALIAN BISTRO, 80 HIGH STREET, BURNHAM-ON-CROUCH (Change of use — public-facing, statutory notice)

The Maldon District Council notice of 24 September 2026 lists 26/00571/FUL, advertised as development affecting a listed building or within a designated conservation area. It proposes a change of use of the ground floor restaurant at Bella's Italian Bistro, 80 High Street, Burnham-on-Crouch, to form two self-contained flats, including demolition works and a single-storey rear/side extension, and conversion of the existing upper-floor five-bedroom flat into two self-contained flats, including a first-floor rear extension for a new access staircase. Comments close on 15 October 2026.

Source: Maldon - Multiple Planning Applications (notice of 24 September 2026)

MALDON — STATUTORY NOTICE ROUND-UP

• Two detached dwellings at Land Adjacent 15C Mangapp Chase, Burnham-on-Crouch — advertised in the notice of 24 September (26/00594/FUL)
• Conversion of a detached garage to one-bedroom holiday accommodation at Land At 8 Hall Road, Southminster — advertised as affecting a listed building or conservation area (26/00580/FUL)
• Outline application, all matters reserved, for a two-bedroom two-storey dwelling at Land Adjacent To 31 Woodrolfe Road, Tollesbury — advertised in the notice of 24 September (26/00587/OUT)
• Retrospective single storey rear extension, porch extension and roof alterations at Cheadle, 37 Conduit Lane, Woodham Mortimer — advertised in the notice of 24 September (26/00524/HOUSE)
• Front extension and conversion of an existing garage into a home office and snug at Little Robins, 53 Conduit Lane, Woodham Mortimer — advertised in the notice of 24 September (26/00545/HOUSE)

MALDON — HOUSEHOLDER ROUND-UP

• Replacement of the existing flat roof of a garden shed/workshop with a low-pitched tiled roof and rooflight at Heybridge — validated 21 September (26/00626/HOUSE)
• Demolish existing rear single storey structure and replace with 2 storey structure at Maldon — Refused, 23 September (25/00968/HOUSE)
• Front two-storey extension. Rear two-storey extension. Canopy structure around southern and western… at Maldon — Approved, 22 September (26/00485/HOUSE)
• Single storey side and rear extension. New pitched roof to garage. Removal of chimney and fenestration… at Maldon — Approved, 22 September (26/00492/HOUSE)
• Proposed alterations to existing residence including demolition of existing porch at Maldon — Approved, 25 September (26/00505/HOUSE)
• Retrospective application for an outbuilding at Maldon — Approved, 25 September (26/00518/HOUSE)
• Replacement of garage, porch & link with single storey side extension at Maldon — Approved, 25 September (26/00527/HOUSE)
• Single storey rear/side infill extension and addition of side window at Mayland — Approved, 22 September (26/00437/HOUSE)
• Single storey side/rear extension at St Lawrence — validated 23 September (26/00643/HOUSE)
• Single storey rear extension, alterations to fenestration and addition of solar panels to side elevation at Tollesbury — validated 21 September (26/00623/HOUSE)
• Erection of a part two storey, part single storey rear extension, construction of a rear dormer window, front… at Woodham Mortimer — validated 23 September (26/00613/HOUSE)

MALDON — TREE WORKS ROUND-UP

• T1, T2 - Conifer Trees, T3 - Elderberry Tree - Fell at Burnham-on-Crouch — validated 21 September (26/00653/TCA)
• (T6 on TPO 01/20) T2 - Oak - Fell at Great Totham — validated 23 September (26/00656/WTPO)
• T1 Yew - Fell at Maldon — Allowed to proceed, 23 September (26/00540/TCA)
• T1 Walnut - Crown reduction by 3m, cutting back to suitable growth points, pruning by 3m at Maldon — Allowed to proceed, 22 September (26/00557/TCA)
• T1 - Honey Locust - Height reduction by up to 1.8m and lateral reduction by up to 1.5m all around, to create… at Maldon — validated 21 September (26/00630/TCA)
• T1 - Horse Chestnut - Crown lift to 3m for clearance for safe footpath access and to aid safe mowing at Tolleshunt D'Arcy — Allowed to proceed, 23 September (26/00560/TCA)
• (TPO 06/23) T1 Ash - Re-application for consent to coppice the tree at 1.5m above ground level, in lieu of… at Ulting — Approved, 24 September (26/00526/WTPO)

MALDON — CONDITION COMPLIANCE ROUND-UP

• Compliance with conditions notification 26/00168/LBC (Erection of two-storey front extension, single-storey… at Heybridge — Conditions cleared, 22 September (26/05090/DET)
• Discharge of informative 1 of 24/00615/FUL (Proposed new 4 bedroom detached dwelling with on-site parking and… at Purleigh — Conditions cleared, 25 September (26/05082/DET)
• Compliance with conditions notification 25/00453/FUL (Refurbishment of site to include replacement welfare… at Southminster — validated 21 September (26/05098/DET)
• Compliance with conditions notification 26/00415/FUL (Installation of two bladder tanks to serve salt… at Tolleshunt Major — validated 24 September (26/05102/DET)
• Compliance with conditions notification 24/00854/VAR (Variation of condition 2 on 23/00618/FUL (Replacement… at Wickham Bishops — Conditions cleared, 23 September (26/05091/DET)

MALDON — OTHER APPLICATIONS

• Claim for lawful development certificate for a proposed conversion of a loft with rear dormer and rooflights at Burnham-on-Crouch — Approved, 21 September (26/00503/LDP)
• Application for non-material amendment following grant of Planning Permission 25/01120/VAR (Variation of… at Great Totham — Approved, 24 September (26/00590/NMA)
• New Hardy Plank or similar cement based weatherboarded cladding to existing elevations of no 2 and 4 Oxley… at Tolleshunt D'Arcy — validated 24 September (26/00511/FUL)
• Claim for lawful development certificate for a dwelling on the ground floor of the Double Garage on the basis… at Wickham Bishops — Refused, 25 September (26/00501/LDE)
• Claim for lawful development certificate for proposed installation of white UPVC window to front bedroom… at Wickham Bishops — Approved, 24 September (26/00509/LDP)

MALDON — FULL REGISTER (35 APPLICATIONS)

Maldon's weekly lists for the week held 35 applications, 24 decided and 11 validated; none was excluded. Applications named only in the statutory notice above are not in this register, except 26/00642/MLA, which is in both.

ON THE HIGH STREET

LICENSING COMMITTEE TO HEAR TWO PREMISES LICENCE APPLICATIONS FOR WHEELERS FARM, LITTLE WALTHAM (Licensing hearing — Chelmsford, 2 October)

Chelmsford City Council's Licensing Committee meets on 2 October 2026 at 9:30am as a remote meeting. Its agenda lists two Licensing Act 2003 applications for a premises licence at Wheelers Farm, Wheelers Hill, Little Waltham, Chelmsford, CM3 3LZ: item 3, a P1 licence, and item 4, a T1 licence. The agenda does not describe the licensable activities.

Source: Licensing Committee (2 October 2026)

YOUR MONEY

BEST START IN LIFE PROGRAMME GRANT FUNDING, 2026/27 TO 2028/29 (Cabinet decision — county-wide, key decision, grant)

Essex County Council's decisions register records decision FP/147/07/26, on Best Start in Life Programme grant funding for 2026/27 to 2028/29, as Decision confirmed. The record states a Department for Education grant of £9.5m and refers to family hubs. The register lists the portfolio as Education, SEND and Skills and the decision as a key decision.

Source: Decision 11132 — Best Start in Life Programme grant funding

SEND REFORM PLAN 2026-27 AND SEND REFORM GRANTS (Leader decision — county-wide, key decision, grant)

Essex County Council's decisions register records decision FP/146/07/26, on the SEND Reform Plan 26-27, as a key decision of the Leader. It concerns accepting SEND Reform Grants and endorsing the plans submitted to the Department for Education in June. The decision was published on 16 September and the call-in period ended on 21 September 2026.

Source: Decision 11131 — SEND Reform Plan 26-27

Budget, spending and accounts papers of Brentwood, Chelmsford and Maldon councils were not reviewed for the week.

JOBS & TENDERS

AWARD OF THE MICROSOFT LICENSING CONTRACT (Contract award — Essex County Council, county-wide, key decision)

Essex County Council's decisions register records decision FP/017/02/26, on the award of the Microsoft Licensing Contract, as Decision confirmed. The register lists the portfolio as Digital and Corporate Services and the decision as a key decision. The record states that the current contract ends in December 2026 and that the new contract runs until 2030.

Source: Decision 10910 — Award of Microsoft Licensing Contract

REGIONAL INDEPENDENT FOSTERING AGENCIES FRAMEWORK (Framework — Essex County Council as lead authority, key decision)

Essex County Council's decisions register records decision FP/111/05/26, on the Regional Independent Fostering Agencies Framework, as Decision confirmed. The register lists the portfolio as Children & Families and the decision as a key decision. The record states that Essex County Council acts as lead authority with up to 10 other authorities.

Source: Decision 11060 — Regional Independent Fostering Agencies Framework

Chelmsford's business opportunities page listed no opportunities on 23 September 2026. Tender listings for Brentwood, Maldon and Essex County Council were not reviewed for the week. Source: Business opportunities with us

THE COUNTDOWN

In March 2026 the government decided that Greater Essex's fifteen councils would be replaced by five unitary councils, one of which would have covered Brentwood, Chelmsford and Maldon. On 7 September 2026 the government withdrew that decision in light of new legal advice and began a review of its reorganisation programme. Local elections in May 2027 will go ahead on existing council boundaries. No date has been set for new councils in Essex.

This week's position: the GOV.UK collection page on Essex, Southend-on-Sea and Thurrock local government reorganisation was last updated on 7 September 2026; no later government statement was found in the week. Essex County Council's calendar of meetings states that, subject to local government reorganisation, the next Essex County Council elections take place on 2 May 2030. Essex County Council's decision record on the Microsoft licensing contract states that the new contract runs until 2030 and refers to reorganisation. Source: GOV.UK — Essex, Southend-on-Sea and Thurrock local government reorganisation; Essex County Council calendar of meetings; Decision 10910

HAVE YOUR SAY

Open items are listed by closing date, soonest first.

• 15 October 2026 — Maldon District Council: comments on nine planning applications advertised on 24 September, quoting the application reference, on the council's website or by writing to the council. Notice
• 16 October 2026 — Chelmsford City Council: comments on seven planning applications advertised on 24 September, including 26/01199/FUL, on the council's website or by post to P.O. Box 7544, Chelmsford, CM1 1JE. Notice
• 16 October 2026 — Essex County Council: objections to the A414 (Harlow/Chelmsford and various side roads) Speed Limits Order, quoting TRAF/8937, in writing or by email to [email protected]. Notice
• 25 October 2026 — Maldon District Council: Housing, Homelessness and Rough Sleeping Strategy 2026–2031 consultation, open from Monday 28 September, with a questionnaire. Consultation page
• 31 October 2026 — Essex County Council: Essex Care Search Provider Survey Sep 2026, about experience of using Essex Care Search; the survey should take no longer than five minutes. Consultations hub

Chelmsford's consultations page lists no current consultation of its own beyond links to planning consultations. Brentwood's engagement hub was not re-read; every consultation listed on it on 23 September was closed. Source: Chelmsford consultations

COMING UP

Meetings from Tuesday 29 September to Monday 5 October 2026.

• Wednesday 30 September — Maldon: the special District Planning Committee listed for 7.30 pm is cancelled. Meeting page
• Wednesday 30 September — Essex County Council: Essex Pension Fund Strategy Board, 10:00, Committee Room 2; Pension Fund Advisory Board, 13:30, Committee Room 1. Calendar
• Thursday 1 October — Essex County Council: Corporate Policy and Scrutiny Committee, 11:00; Essex Police, Fire and Crime Panel, 14:00. Calendar
• Friday 2 October — Chelmsford: Licensing Committee, 9:30am, remote; two premises licence applications for Wheelers Farm, Little Waltham. Meeting page
• Friday 2 October — Essex County Council: Senior Management Employment Sub-Committee, 11:00, Committee Room 2. Calendar

Brentwood's meeting calendar did not load on 29 September, so no Brentwood meetings are listed.

Dated notices: Essex County Council's Alexander Lane, Shenfield closure order comes into effect on 30 September; the Byway 51, Little Waltham closure and the Birch Lane, Stock order come into effect on 1 October; the A131 Great Leighs Bypass closure runs from 18:00 on 2 October; the Bridleway 183 Brentwood alternative route comes into force on 13 October. Sources: Brentwood notice; Chelmsford notice

Later dates: Chelmsford Planning Committee, 6 October at 7pm; Chelmsford Treasury Management and Investment Sub Committee, 12 October at 7pm (Chelmsford meetings); Maldon special District Planning Committee, 15 October and 28 October at 7.30 pm, and Central Area Planning Committee, 21 October at 7.30 pm (Maldon calendar).

HOW IT WORKS

ARTICLE 4 DIRECTIONS (Explainer — Article 4(1) immediate direction)

A notice published on 24 September 2026 shows how one works. Chelmsford City Council made an immediate direction under Article 4(1) on 30 April 2026 for land rear of Highfields, Writtle Road, Margaretting, Ingatestone. The direction removes permitted development rights for the land for the erection or alteration of gates, fences, walls or other enclosures; the formation of a means of access to a highway; temporary buildings, structures, works, plant or machinery; the use of land for any purpose other than agriculture; and use as a recreational campsite. The notice states that the direction removed those rights from the date it came into force, 30 April 2026, that the council confirmed it on 17 September 2026 so that it will not lapse, and that planning permission is therefore required for the development set out in the direction. The direction and its map can be viewed at the Civic Centre, Duke Street, Chelmsford, from 10am to 4pm Monday to Friday (bank holidays excepted), or on the council's website.

Source: Writtle Road - Notice Of The Making Of An Immediate Direction Under Article 4(1)

The Mid Essex 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.