Launch issue, 5th - 11th October, 2026

Welcome to the launch issue of The West Essex Briefing. Each week we summarise the public business of Uttlesford District Council, Harlow Council and Epping Forest District Council. Every item links to the council's own published record.

AT A GLANCE

• ⚠️ Harlow consultations closing soon: street trading policy (28 October), Old Harlow polling station review (31 October), tenant and leaseholder survey (6 November)
• Planning: Uttlesford 19 validated and 41 decided; Harlow 6 validated and 5 decided; Epping Forest 32 validated and 13 decided, all in the week 5–11 October
• In the chamber: Uttlesford Audit and Standards minutes (24 September) published; Harlow Development Management Committee granted three applications on 7 October; Epping Forest Housing Portfolio Holder approved a Local Lettings Plan for Springwood Grove
• Countdown: Greater Essex devolution (county tier) and the paused Local Government Reorganisation review are separate tracks; no new development this period

IN THE CHAMBER

Uttlesford

• Audit and Standards Committee minutes of the 24 September meeting were published on 8 October. The committee approved updates to the internal audit plan and noted that three audits had been completed, one of which (the Housing Maintenance contract) received a "limited" audit opinion. It noted the Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman annual report (19 complaints, one partly upheld) and an external audit value-for-money report described as on track. On the National Planning Scheme of Delegation, it noted that the process must start by 31 October 2026 and remitted the matter to Full Council. A paper on Questions and Answers to Cabinet at Full Council, with constitutional changes, is due at the next meeting. (minutes)
• Scrutiny Committee met on 8 October. The published agenda covered the PFI leisure contract update, the Community Safety Partnership report, S106 financial management, the second tranche of Housing Asset Management Review policies, the Housing Competence and Conduct Policy and a Housing Asset Options Appraisal for Alexia House (restricted item). Minutes are not yet published; outcomes are carried forward. (meeting page)

Harlow

• Development Management Committee met on 7 October (draft minutes). It granted, subject to officers' conditions, HW/REMVAR/26/00278 (removal of condition 11 of HW/FUL/23/00114, Kitchen Hall Farm, Red Lion Lane), HW/FUL/26/00198 (demolition of garages 1–7, Tanys Dell) and HW/FUL/26/00172 (demolition of garages and provision of parking and cycle storage, Garage Court, Great Plumtree). (meeting page)
• Cabinet met on 8 October. The agenda covered the Building Harlow's Future delivery update, the Corporate Performance, Finance and Risk Report, the Social Housing Regulatory and Compliance update and the ASDV Shareholder Report. Minutes are not yet published; outcomes are carried forward. (meeting page)

Epping Forest

• The Housing Portfolio Holder approved a Local Lettings Plan for Springwood Grove, Epping on 8 October (published 12 October, effective 20 October). It applies to up to 20% of the 45 new social rent homes, on first letting only, and targets key workers. (decision record)
• Overview and Scrutiny Committee minutes of the 8 September meeting were published on 8 October. Items noted were an update on EFDC funding through the Voluntary Action Epping Forest agreement, Q1 performance, Q1 2026/27 budget monitoring and the Forward Plan; amendments to the work programme were agreed. (minutes page)
• The Licensing Committee met on 8 October; its agenda covered licensing statistics for 2025/26, licensing updates, the Tobacco and Vapes Act 2026, guidance for town and parish councils, sub-committee procedures and training. The Licensing Sub-Committee met on 6 October and its agenda included a premises licence application for Premier, 783 Chigwell Road, Chigwell. Minutes and outcomes are not yet published and are carried forward. (Licensing Committee · Sub-Committee)

PLANNING WATCH

Window: applications validated and decided 5–11 October 2026. Gate 2 removes routine tree and hedge works, condition discharges, plan-number-only amendments, advertisement consents and undisputed certificates of lawfulness. Uttlesford: 19 of 32 validated and 41 of 73 decided included. Harlow: 6 of 11 validated and 5 of 8 decided included. Epping Forest: 32 of 42 validated included; 13 of 43 decided records are listed below (outcomes are not readable from the register's list view, so none is stated; four further records in the decided list could not be opened and two carry non-decision statuses).

Uttlesford — Validated

• UTT/26/2603/HHF — Proposed Annexe, 3 The Cottage Church End Great Canfield Essex CM6 1JT (record)
• UTT/26/2596/FUL — Construction of a new single-storey nursery building, together with associated external works, landscaping, access arrangements and all ancillary development within the grounds of Rickling C of E Prim…, Rickling Primary School Rickling Green Rickling Green Essex CB11 3YG (record)
• UTT/26/2590/HHF — Proposed erection of first-floor rear extension to provide an ensuite bathroom and a bedroom., 27 Bran End Fields Stebbing Essex CM6 3RN (record)
• UTT/26/2585/HHF — Proposed single storey rear extension, 7 Peggys Walk Littlebury Essex CB11 4TG (record)
• UTT/26/2566/HHF — Retrospective application for partial conversion of garage to study., 24 Mapletoft Avenue Saffron Walden Essex CB10 2GX (record)
• UTT/26/2560/HHF — Erection of a single storey rear extension to form a garage serving the existing dwellinghouse, 9 Eastfield Stables May Walk Elsenham Road Stansted Essex CM24 8SS (record)
• UTT/26/2559/FUL — Proposed extension to existing annexe to create a self contained single dwelling, with associated car parking, and landscaping., Tudor Cottage, Mill End Green Mill End Green Road Great Easton Essex CM6 2DN (record)
• UTT/26/2557/PAR3 — Prior approval for the change of use of an agricultural building to Class E and B8 (storage) use - Class R, Elms Farm The Broadway Great Dunmow Essex CM6 3BH (record)
• UTT/26/2556/LB — Retention of replacement windows and external glazed doors, Markswood Thaxted Road Little Bardfield Braintree Essex CM7 4TY (record)
• UTT/26/2553/FUL — S73 application to vary condition 2 (approved plans) attached to UTT/26/0764/DFO - amend access, appearance, landscaping, layout and scale of the self-build dwelling house, Land Between Runnels Hey And Silverthorn Great Canfield Road Great Canfield Essex (record)
• UTT/26/2552/HHF — Proposed side dormer, alterations to the main roof including rooflight and alterations to the external elevation., Bank View Lower Road Little Hallingbury Essex CM22 7QZ (record)
• UTT/26/2537/FUL — Proposed demolition of existing dwelling and replacement self-build dwelling with associated garage, access, parking and landscape, The Haven Fishmarket Street Thaxted Essex CM6 2PG (record)
• UTT/26/2529/HHF — Demolition of an existing double garage and erection of a 1.5-storey detached double garage with a room above., Rose Cottage Lower Green Lower Green Lane Wimbish Saffron Walden Essex CB10 2XH (record)
• UTT/26/2482/FUL — Erection of 5 no. dwellings and the adaptation of an existing single dwelling including a new access road and associated development, The Grange Stortford Road Clavering Essex CB11 4PE (record)
• UTT/26/2391/FUL — 1 no. self-build dwelling, Land At The Chalet Old Mead Road Henham Hertfordshire (record)
• UTT/26/2350/LB — Proposed single storey rear extension and internal alterations, The Plough High Street Great Chesterford Essex CB10 1PL (record)
• UTT/26/2349/FUL — Proposed single storey rear extension and internal alterations, The Plough High Street Great Chesterford Essex CB10 1PL (record)
• UTT/26/2328/HHF — Proposed replacement of two existing wooden framed windows; one to the side elevation of the house on the upper floor and a velux window in the kitchen. Both will be replaced with wooden frame windows…, Rose Cottage Rose Lane Great Chesterford Essex CB10 1PN (record)
• UTT/26/1971/HHF — Proposed erection of a 1.8m close boarded timber fence for additional privacy in front garden, Rose Cottage High Street Henham Bishops Stortford Hertfordshire CM22 6AR (record)

Uttlesford — Decided

• UTT/26/2493/OHL — Section 37 of the Electricity Act 1989 - to install or keep installed an electric line above ground, Bilden End Chrishall — decision recorded, outcome not read (record)
• UTT/26/2481/OHL — Notice under The Overhead Lines (Exemption) (England & Wales) Regulation 2009 - install new stay wire and LV underground cable, Debden Green Henham Road Debden Essex CB11 3LX — decision recorded, outcome not read (record)
• UTT/26/2332/NMA — Non-material amendment to UTT/0641/11/FUL - additional weatherboarding, bottom of jetty walls lifted, additional porch bracket, fascia to front and rear elevation and sim, Cage End House Cage End Hatfield Broad Oak Essex CM22 7HT — Approved (record)
• UTT/26/2327/NMA — Non-material amendment to UTT/25/2455/FUL - change to front pitch of the approved roof slope., Dovecote Lower Road Little Hallingbury Bishops Stortford Hertfordshire CM22 7QZ — Approved (record)
• UTT/26/2323/AG — Building for agricultural storage, Land At Stanbrook Road Thaxted Essex CM6 2NG — decision recorded, outcome not read (record)
• UTT/26/2277/FUL — Change of use of annexe from residential (C3) to Airbnb (C1), Maypole Farm Upper Green Top Road Wimbish Saffron Walden Essex CB10 2XQ — Withdrawn (record)
• UTT/26/2268/LB — Replacement of roof coverings and localised roof structure repairs, Roos Farm The Roos Debden Road Saffron Walden Essex CB11 3JS — Approved (record)
• UTT/26/2250/PAR3 — Prior Notification of change of use of agricultural buildings to class E (Veterinary practice) use, Barn At Hoys Farm Radwinter Road Sewards End Saffron Walden Essex CB10 2SU — Approved (record)
• UTT/26/2249/LB — Installation of fibre broadband to property, 47 Lower Street Stansted Essex CM24 8LN — Approved (record)
• UTT/26/2203/LB — Removal of modern canopy porch and erection of enclosed porch, Ground Floor Flat Bentfield Farm Bentfield Bury Road Bentfield Bower Stansted Essex CM24 8TL — Approved (record)
• UTT/26/2202/HHF — Removal of modern canopy porch and erection of enclosed porch, Ground Floor Flat Bentfield Farm Bentfield Bury Road Bentfield Bower Stansted Essex CM24 8TL — Approved (record)
• UTT/26/2185/LB — Proposed localised masonry crack repairs, lime mortar repointing, rebuilding a brick drain using salvaged bricks, and the like-for-like reinstatement of lime render and d, 3 Almshouses Walden Road Radwinter Essex CB10 2SW — Approved (record)
• UTT/26/2182/LB — Proposed internal alterations to ground floor including removal of part of the internal walls between the kitchen and dining room and the kitchen and the breakfast room t, The Parsonage Parsonage Downs Great Dunmow Essex CM6 2AT — Refused (record)
• UTT/26/2178/LB — Proposed replacement of partial windows and doors to rear of property, Oddyins Farm High Cross Lane West Little Canfield Dunmow Essex CM6 1TF — Refused (record)
• UTT/26/2170/LB — Change of use from Class E (offices) to Class C3 (residential) and proposed internal and external renovations and alterations, The Old Armoury 3 Museum Street Saffron Walden Essex CB10 1JN — Approved (record)
• UTT/26/2169/FUL — Change of use from Class E (offices) to Class C3 (residential) and proposed internal and external renovations and alterations, The Old Armoury 3 Museum Street Saffron Walden Essex CB10 1JN — Approved (record)
• UTT/26/2164/PAM3 — Prior Notification of change of use from commercial, business and service (Use Class E) to 1 no. dwelling (Use Class C3), The Baby Unit Hill Farm Radwinter Road Ashdon Essex — Approved (record)
• UTT/26/2161/FUL — Proposed ground mounted solar panel array in existing paddock, Shepherds Cottage Anso Road Hempstead Essex CB10 2PQ — Approved (record)
• UTT/26/2157/HHF — Demolition of three existing outbuildings and erection of two replacement outbuildings comprising a two-bay cart lodge and ancillary annexe., Clockhouse Farm Finchingfield Road Little Sampford Essex CB10 2QN — Approved (record)
• UTT/26/2115/FUL — Change of use from Class B2 (General Industrial) to Class E for use as an appointment-only medical aesthetics and skin clinic, Unit 9 Zone B Chelmsford Road Industrial Estate Dunmow Essex CM6 1HD — Approved (record)
• UTT/26/2082/HHF — Demolition of existing conservatory and construction of a single storey rear garden room extension, 93 Pleasant Valley Saffron Walden Essex CB11 4AW — Approved (record)
• UTT/26/2073/FUL — S73 application to remove condition 14 (self-build) attached to UTT/25/1914/FUL, Moat House Grove Hill Stansted Essex CM24 8SP — Refused (record)
• UTT/26/2061/LB — Removal of lower section of cement render, repairs to frame and re-render lower section of wall on the SW and NW elevations using lime mortar. Insertion of sheep wool ins, Crawley House Ickleton Road Elmdon Essex CB11 4LT — Approved (record)
• UTT/26/2041/FUL — Demolition of large timber hall and timber storage outbuildings. Erection of 2no. two-storey detached dwellings either side of existing dwelling., The Manse Upper Green Road Upper Green Langley Essex CB11 4RY — Withdrawn (record)
• UTT/26/2037/LB — Proposed replacement roof covering to main range of farmhouse., Newhouse Farm Purton End Debden Essex CB11 3JT — Approved (record)
• UTT/26/2007/OP — Outline application with, all matters reserved except for access. for the erection of two dwellings and associated works, Templars Holders Green Road Lindsell Essex CM6 3QL — Refused (record)
• UTT/26/2003/FUL — Extension of existing stables to provide rest facilities, Martinside Stud Anvil Cross Church Road Great Hallingbury Essex CM22 7UD — Approved (record)
• UTT/26/1995/FUL — Erection of stable, associated tack room and machinery store, Pond Farm Dunmow Road From Lindsell To Duck End Duck End Stebbing Essex CM6 3BS — Approved (record)
• UTT/26/1983/LB — 1 no. new dormer and 1 no. relocated dormer on approved extension, Ruttels Valance Road Clavering Essex CB11 4RS — Approved (record)
• UTT/26/1982/HHF — Erection of annexe/study outbuilding to provide ancillary accommodation, extension to approved garage for plantroom, ASHP located behind garage and 1 no. new dormer and 1, Ruttels Valance Road Clavering Essex CB11 4RS — Approved (record)
• UTT/26/1956/FUL — Erection of 4 no. detached bungalows, Land North Of Brooksfield The Downs Stebbing Essex — Refused (record)
• UTT/26/1866/FUL — Erection of an agricultural barn, Conyards Farmhouse Pepples Lane Wimbish Saffron Walden Essex CB10 2XB — Approved (record)
• UTT/26/1708/FUL — S73A Retrospective application for the retention of a single independent dwellinghouse (Use Class C3) with associated curtilage and parking., Abbots Bungalow Thaxted Road Wimbish Essex CB10 2UT — Refused (record)
• UTT/26/1687/FUL — S73 application to remove condition 3 (trees) attached to UTT/19/2136/HHF - Fell three horse chesnut trees (T5, T6 and T7 on site plan) due to subsidence damage to house, Barnards Bridge Snow Hill Dunmow Road Great Easton Dunmow Essex CM6 2DR — Refused (record)
• UTT/26/1681/LB — Retention of works including dry ice blasting of timber members, removal of a window and the installation of two new windows, installation of internal walls to the ground, Kings House Linton Road Hadstock Essex CB21 4NU — Approved (record)
• UTT/26/1680/HHF — Retention of works including dry ice blasting of timber members, removal of a window and the installation of two new windows, installation of internal walls to the ground, Kings House Linton Road Hadstock Essex CB21 4NU — Approved (record)
• UTT/26/1540/HHF — Construction of single storey flat roof rear extension and loft conversion including rear dormer, 34 Weaverhead Close Thaxted Dunmow Essex CM6 2PP — Approved (record)
• UTT/26/1252/FUL — Demolition of six outbuildings and erection of four dwellinghouses arranged around a courtyard with associated hard and soft landscaping, Murryfield Farm School Lane Takeley Essex CM22 6PJ — Approved (record)
• UTT/26/1057/FUL — Erection of one dwelling, access and associated landscaping, Mariskalls Mill Road Felsted Essex CM6 3HQ — Approved (record)
• UTT/26/0702/FUL — Part retrospective and part full planning application to convert an agricultural barn into three residential dwellings. Proposed change of use of agricultural land to dom, Building To The Rear Of Mulberry House Wenden Road Arkesden — Approved (record)
• UTT/26/0510/FUL — Conversion and extension of existing barn from a commercial recording studio to holiday accommodation with associated access and parking., Barn At Broadfans Barn Cherry Street Duton Hill — Refused (record)

Harlow — Validated

• HW/HSE/26/00401 — Installation of a front access modular ramp, 1 Hadley Grange Harlow Essex CM17 9PQ (record)
• HW/HSE/26/00400 — Erection of a single storey front extension, 227 Fold Croft Harlow Essex CM20 1SF (record)
• HW/DEM/26/00398 — Demolition of existing garage blocks 67 to 70 & 74 to 75 Radburn Close, Residential Development At Garage Block 67 To 70 And 74 To 75 Radburn Close Radburn Close Harlow Essex (record)
• HW/DEM/26/00397 — Demolition of existing garage block 1 to 6 Five Acres, Residential Development At Garage Block 1 To 6 Five Acres Five Acres Harlow Essex (record)
• HW/DEM/26/00395 — Demolition of existing garage block 89 to 93 Longbanks, Residential Development At Garage Block 89 To 93 Longbanks Longbanks Harlow Essex (record)
• HW/DEM/26/00392 — Demolition of existing garage block 37-43 Little Brays, Residential Development At Garage Block 37-43 Little Brays Little Brays Harlow Essex (record)

Harlow — Decided

• HW/TELD/26/00364 — 2No. 9m Light Wooden Poles, Land At Proposed Riverway Cambridge Road Junction Cambridge Road Harlow Essex — Response sent 5 October (record)
• HW/PALHE/26/00371 — Construction of a single storey rear extension, 81 Stile Croft Harlow Essex CM18 6LP — Prior approval not required (6 October) (record)
• HW/HSE/26/00308 — Loft conversion, 3 Doulton Close Harlow Essex CM17 9RG — Granted (8 October) (record)
• HW/FUL/26/00327 — Alteration to existing shopfront with installation of condenser units, retractable awning, LED signage and wall lights, H S S Hire Group Plc Harmony Works Edinburgh Way Harlow Essex CM20 2DH — Granted (5 October) (record)
• HW/FUL/26/00322 — Replacement windows and door, 154 Dads Wood Harlow Essex CM20 1JQ — Granted (5 October) (record)

Epping Forest — Validated

• EPF/1908/26 — Single storey rear extension., 10 Highfield Close, North Weald Bassett, Harlow, CM17 9UQ (register)
• EPF/1899/26 — Grade II Listed Building Consent for proposed conversion of the existing boiler housing into WC/utility room and alternations to existing house with glazed link for disability access., 1 Woodbury Hollow cottage, Woodbury Hill, Loughton, Essex IG10 1JD (register)
• EPF/1898/26 — Proposed conversion of the existing boiler housing into WC/utility room and alternations to existing house with glazed link for disability access., 1 Woodbury Hollow Cottage, Woodbury Hill, Loughton, Essex IG10 1JD (register)
• EPF/1700/26 — Decking and screen., 18, Manor Road, Chigwell, IG7 5PD (register)
• EPF/1915/26 — Retrospective Application for Change of Use of Redundant Agricultural Buildings to Commercial Use Class B8., East End Farm, Harlow Road, Roydon, Harlow, CM19 5HE (register)
• EPF/1914/26 — Demolition of the existing dwelling house and the reconstruction of a new dwelling house in its place., Oaklands, Middle Street, Nazeing, Waltham Abbey, EN9 2LH (register)
• EPF/1913/26 — Certificate of Lawful Development for existing use of land for parking and domestic storage ancillary to residential use. Please see attached Planning Statement for further detail., 44A, Coopers Close, Chigwell, IG7 6EU (register)
• EPF/1912/26 — Alteration of existing High Voltage overhead electricity line: install a lame leg pole and replace the 100kva single phase transformer with a 20kva transformer at pole 720205. Upgrade the LV network from Couzens Farm transformer and between pole 767886 and 767894 from single phase Aerial Bundled Conductor.…, Ash Barn, Couzens Farm, Chelmsford Road, Ongar, CM5 9NX (register)
• EPF/1910/26 — Certificate of Lawful Development for change of use from Use Class E(g)(i) Office to Indoor Sport and Recreation (Use Class E(d)) Padel Court., Prospect Business Park, Unit 8, Langston Road, Loughton, IG10 3TR (register)
• EPF/1180/26 — Proposed Part Two-Storey Side and Part Two-Storey Rear Extension, 8, Marle Gardens, Waltham Abbey, EN9 2DZ (register)
• EPF/1753/26 — Outline planning application with all matters reserved except means of access from Parsloe Road for a residential development (Use Class C3) to include open space, landscaping, drainage, play space and all associated works and infrastructure.…, Land at Jack's Hatch, South of Parsloe Road, Harlow (register)
• EPF/1821/26 — Partial conversion of existing integral garage to habitable accommodation., 5, Lukintone Close, Loughton, IG10 3NS (register)
• EPF/1887/26 — Application to discharge requirement 3 – Written scheme setting out all stages of the authorised development (SW 3 C) by National Grid Electricity Transmission plc for an Order Granting Development Consent for the North London Reinforcement Project for the uprating of an existing 275kV transmission line of approximately 14km in length from Waltham Cross substation to Tottenham substation to enable it to run at a voltage of 400kV, together with associated development (Revised application to EPF/2072/25, EPF/0226/25 & EPF/0277/26).…, Waltham Cross to Tottenham Substation, near to Highbridge Street, Waltham Abbey (register)
• EPF/1889/26 — Prior approval for conversion of agricultural building to two dwellinghouses., Red House, Chalet Kennels, New Farm Drive, Lambourne, RM4 1BU (register)
• EPF/1901/26 — Variation of Condition 9 of EPF/1143/94 Hours of operation for car wash (Redevelopment of existing petrol filling station to provide filling station, shop and car wash)., 271-277 Tesco Express, High Street, Ongar, CM5 9AA (register)
• EPF/1904/26 — Proposed first floor extension to rear including roof light in new roof., 29, Ely Place, Chigwell, IG8 8AG (register)
• EPF/1895/26 — Outdoor Padel Courts + Covers, Terrace Areas and Family / Kids Zone., David Lloyd Club, Dl Kids, Roding Lane, Chigwell, IG9 6BJ (register)
• EPF/1896/26 — Proposed Extension to Spa Garden., David Lloyd Club, Dl Kids, Roding Lane, Chigwell, IG9 6BJ (register)
• EPF/1897/26 — Formation of lower level in void to create a games room., 18, Chigwell Rise, Chigwell, IG7 6AB (register)
• EPF/1735/26 — Single rear extension with pitched roof & new access to garage, 5 Little Street, Waltham Abbey, EN9 3XN (register)
• EPF/1828/26 — First floor extension over the existing ground floor., 1 New Barns Cottages, Pensons Lane, Bobbingworth, Ongar, CM5 9GW (register)
• EPF/1888/26 — New obscure glass window on the East Flank in the study room for approved Flat 1., 38, Queens Road, Buckhurst Hill, IG9 5BY (register)
• EPF/1891/26 — Prior Approval for change of Use of Part of Horticultural Glasshouses to Flexible Commercial Use (Class B8 Storage), Threeways Nursery, Sedge Green, Harlow, CM19 5JS (register)
• EPF/1892/26 — Formation of a new vehicular access and associated dropped kerb/footway crossover to provide off-street parking to the existing dwelling, with forecourt paved parking area., 42, Paternoster Hill, Waltham Abbey, EN9 3JT (register)
• EPF/1881/26 — Two-storey rear extension and conversion of garage., 18, Great Owl Road, Chigwell, IG7 6AL (register)
• EPF/1853/26 — Single and two storey rear extension, 35 Oak Piece, North Weald Bassett, Epping, CM16 6JH (register)
• EPF/1826/26 — Construction of sports facility, external alterations, associated landscaping and facilities., The Marriott, Old Shire Lane, Waltham Abbey, EN9 3LX (register)
• EPF/1812/26 — New aluminium windows and doors to replace existing., 1-12 Bickerton Court, Sheering Lower Road, Sheering, Harlow CM21 9FH (register)
• EPF/1882/26 — Non-Material Amendment to EPF/0907/25 (Proposed new main roof, incorporating a new loft conversion with a flat roof rear dormer with a Juliet balcony)., 46, Upper Park, Loughton, IG10 4EQ (register)
• EPF/1883/26 — Remove existing patio doors, fit new steel to support existing 1st floor. Extend out 1.015 metres fit new bi- fold doors and side windows. Finished with flat roof., Ashlings Farm, Longbourn, Ashlings Farm Lane, High Ongar, Ongar, CM4 0JU (register)
• EPF/1884/26 — Infill Ground Floor Extension., 36, Piercing Hill, Theydon Bois, Epping, CM16 7JW (register)
• EPF/1885/26 — A building for the storage of horticultural crops, crop packing crates and crop grading machines and for grading and packing of those crops (revised application following refusal of EPF/1521/26).…, Coronation Nursery, Hoe Lane, Nazeing, Waltham Abbey, EN9 2RN (register)

Epping Forest — Decided

• EPF/1707/26 — Proposed removal of existing brick slip cladding which is defective to existing modular building, to be replaced with textured plank cladding system, Leverton County Gm Junior And Infant School, Honey Lane, Waltham Abbey, EN9 3BE — decision recorded, outcome not read (register)
• EPF/1690/26 — Single storey front extension and first floor rear extension, 69, Centre Drive, Epping, CM16 4JF — decision recorded, outcome not read (register)
• EPF/1620/26 — Construction of a single storey side extension, conversion of existing detached garage and new glazed link., 3 Piggotts Farm Barns, Abridge Road, Lambourne, RM4 1TX — decision recorded, outcome not read (register)
• EPF/1543/26 — Side and rear extension with pitched roof., 106, Pancroft, Lambourne, RM4 1DA — decision recorded, outcome not read (register)
• EPF/1574/26 — Loft conversion and construction of dormer., 170, High Street, Epping, CM16 4AQ — decision recorded, outcome not read (register)
• EPF/1594/26 — Demolition of existing conservatory and construction of a single storey rear extension., 141, Ongar Road, Lambourne, RM4 1UL — decision recorded, outcome not read (register)
• EPF/1584/26 — Non-Material Amendment to EPF/1974/22 Allowed on Appeal (The construction and operation of a solar photovoltaic (‘PV’) farm and associated infrastructure, including inverters, DNO substation, customer switchgear, security cameras, fencing, access tracks and landscaping)…, Land Adjacent to Harlow Road, Near Roydon, Harlow — decision recorded, outcome not read (register)
• EPF/1569/26 — Proposed alterations to front of house including New Porch, Boundary Wall/Gates and alterations to Front Landscaping., 28, The Uplands, Loughton, IG10 1NH — decision recorded, outcome not read (register)
• EPF/1563/26 — Erection of single storey rear extension, front entrance porch and alterations to roof of existing attached garage/side extension., Mellowbrook, Nazeing Road, Waltham Abbey, EN9 2HU — decision recorded, outcome not read (register)
• EPF/1550/26 — Construction of a welfare and storage building., Berners Hall Fishery, Ongar Road, Berners Roding, Nr Fyfield, CM5 0TB — decision recorded, outcome not read (register)
• EPF/1496/26 — Proposed single storey rear extension, rear patio and front extension., 56, Hilltop, Loughton, IG10 1PX — decision recorded, outcome not read (register)
• EPF/1555/26 — Two storey side and rear extension, new front porch, two new bay windows on front elevation., 7, Field Close, Buckhurst Hill, IG9 5AQ — decision recorded, outcome not read (register)
• EPF/1537/26 — Removal of Condition 3 Fencing Details of EPF/0917/24 (Regularisation of a development comprising the retention of an existing area of hardstanding, security fencing and gates to serve the continued use of the site for open storage (Class B8)).…, Richmond Farm, Parsloe Road, Epping Upland, Epping, CM16 6QB — decision recorded, outcome not read (register)

YOUR MONEY

• Nothing reported this period from the sources read. Uttlesford's contracts register could not be read automatically (the site disallows automated access); Harlow's and Epping Forest's contracts and procurement sources were not read in this launch run. This is a logged method gap, not a tested nil, and the section may under-represent all three councils.
• Budget and performance reports appear on agendas for meetings whose minutes are not yet published (Harlow Cabinet, 8 October); they are carried forward.

JOBS & TENDERS

No vacancy or tender with a council decision behind it was found. Uttlesford's jobs page lists one vacancy, a Street Warden post with Great Dunmow Town Council (closing 23 October); Harlow's and Epping Forest's vacancy lists sit on external recruitment portals that were not read. Tenders are not covered (see YOUR MONEY).

THE COUNTDOWN

• Greater Essex devolution (county tier). Essex County Council's devolution page states that the Mayoral Combined County Authority, whose constituent members are Essex County Council, Southend-on-Sea City Council and Thurrock Council, has passed the legal tests, with the first Mayoral election expected in May 2028. Uttlesford, Harlow and Epping Forest are not formal parties. No new dated item was published on that page in this period. (Essex County Council)
• Local Government Reorganisation (separate track, paused). On 7 September 2026 the Secretary of State withdrew the Essex reorganisation decision pending a rapid review; no date for its conclusion has been given. No successor authority, Vesting Day or shadow-election date is confirmed for this footprint. No new development was found on the government pages or Essex County Council's news page this period. (GOV.UK announcement · letter to council leaders)

HAVE YOUR SAY

• Harlow — Interim polling station review, Old Harlow (closes 31 October 2026). Proposals: move OH2 Gilden Park to the new community hub in Gilden Park (subject to an access evaluation); move nine streets, including Old Road, New Road, Mulberry Green and Watlington Road, from OH2 to OH3; create a new OH4 St Johns district using St Johns ARC; no change to OH1 Churchgate. Final proposals go to Full Council on 17 December 2026. Respond on Let's Talk Harlow, by email to [email protected] or in writing to Electoral Services, Civic Centre, The Water Gardens, Harlow CM20 1WG. (consultation)
• Harlow — Tenant and leaseholder engagement survey (closes 6 November 2026). The Housing Service is asking tenants and leaseholders what matters most to them, to set engagement priorities; the survey takes about five minutes. (consultation)
• Harlow — Street trading policy (closes 28 October 2026). Proposed changes cover officer delegations, community events and licences for groups of traders; the draft policy and survey are on Let's Talk Harlow. (consultation)
• Uttlesford — Hate Crime Awareness Week (10–17 October). The council is supporting the week with Essex Police and Essex Fire & Rescue Service, with a community event at Saffron Walden Market on 13 October; the council operates as a Hate Incident Reporting Centre. (council news)
• Essex County Council's Citizen Space pages for Uttlesford, Harlow and Epping Forest show only a closed public-transport consultation. Uttlesford's and Epping Forest's own consultation pages could not be read in this run (logged gap).

ON THE HIGH STREET

No licensing notice or regulatory announcement was found for 5–11 October. Uttlesford's licensing page is a guidance hub with no notices listed; Harlow's licensing notices sit on Let's Talk Harlow; Epping Forest's licensing application notices were not located. Epping Forest's Licensing Committee agenda (8 October) is reported under IN THE CHAMBER.

HOW IT WORKS

The West Essex Briefing is an independent, weekly, AI-assisted summary of the public business of Uttlesford District Council, Harlow Council and Epping Forest District Council, with a county-tier section for Essex County Council. Every item links to the relevant council's own published record; nothing here substitutes for it.

The West Essex Briefing is an independent, AI-assisted summary of public council business at Uttlesford District Council, Harlow Council and Epping Forest District Council. It is not published by, or on behalf of, any of these councils. Its title describes the area covered and does not indicate any view on the outcome of local government reorganisation or devolution in Essex. Every item is drawn from, and links to, the relevant council's own published record. Readers should refer to the linked source for any matter of consequence. This briefing does not constitute legal, financial or planning advice.