News
Gordon takes a typically wry look at the season of the jab… and, erm, treats us to his music of choice
Friday 5 February 2021
Gordon Ridgewell has become a bit of a CPRE Essex internet sensation over the past year or so as he has entertained us with his delightful photographs… now he chooses to share his musical tastes: “So I am all jabbed up and ready to go clubbing again. All chair-dancing clubs are closed, so it’s Plan […] Read more >
All ready for Star Count? We have a video for you to enjoy
Friday 5 February 2021
As hopefully many of you will know, CPRE, the countryside charity, is encouraging as many of us as possible to take part in this year’s Star Count from home. The clock is ticking and this fabulous event runs from tomorrow (Saturday, February 6) to Sunday, February 14. All you have to do is choose a […] Read more >
My Favourite Essex Church: please join us for this free talk
Tuesday 2 February 2021
Some of our county’s most beautiful churches will be celebrated in the next of CPRE Essex’s hugely popular series of free talks. You can enjoy My Favourite Essex Church, by architectural historian Dr James Bettley, tomorrow evening (Wednesday, February 3) via Zoom. Although the talk is entitled My Favourite Essex Church, we can be sure […] Read more >
London Resort theme park makes it to examination stage
Monday 1 February 2021
Plans to build a huge theme park on the Thames estuary have passed their first hurdle. The Planning Inspectorate has accepted the application for a Development Consent Order to build the London Resort theme park between Greenhithe and Northfleet. This means the project, submitted by London Resort Company Holdings on New Year’s Eve and received […] Read more >
Star Count can inspire us in lockdown… and it’s fun
Wednesday 27 January 2021
Running out of ideas to keep the family busy during lockdown? If so, CPRE’s Star Count provides the ideal solution. Next month – from Saturday, February 6, to Sunday, February 14 – CPRE, the countryside charity, is asking us all to choose a clear night, look skywards and see how many stars we can spot […] Read more >
Village to grow by hundreds of homes as out-of-date Local Plan proves critical
Tuesday 26 January 2021
Lack of both an up-to-date Local Plan and an adequate supply of housing land has proved costly for an Essex village, which is to have almost 450 homes built on unallocated sites. Planning inspectors have overturned refusal – or non-determination – by Uttlesford District Council of two schemes at Elsenham. Inspector David Wildsmith allowed Fairfield […] Read more >
Almost 240 new homes approved for Kelvedon
Thursday 21 January 2021
Planners have backed a scheme to build 238 homes in Kelvedon. Worries about design were brushed aside as Braintree District Council planning committee backed the application by Cala Homes – it had already been given outline permission in 2018. A parish council statement said: “This is the first significant development in the village for over […] Read more >
Village awaits decision on 230 new homes
Thursday 21 January 2021
Rivenhall will grow by 230 homes if a developer has its way. Bellway Homes has applied for outline planning permission for the estate, off Rectory Lane. The site comprises farmland, woodland and part of a former golf course. Nearby residents say the development would erode further the gap between their village and Witham – more […] Read more >
… and plans for another solar farm
Wednesday 20 January 2021
The solar-farm proposals keep coming thick and fast! Consultation on a site of some 242 acres of farmland east of West Hanningfield ended last month and a planning application to Chelmsford City Council is expected soon. The Sandon Brook project is being developed by Low Carbon, which is reported to have stated that a full […] Read more >
You’re invited to join talk on Dedham Vale AONB
Monday 18 January 2021
We know rewilding is all the rage but, no, the above picture was not taken in the Essex countryside. Rather, it was presented at Wednesday’s CPRE Essex talk entitled World Wildlife with a Camera. It was the first in a series of talks we are offering to members and supporters. The next focuses on Dedham […] Read more >