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Village to grow by hundreds of homes as out-of-date Local Plan proves critical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 >
Solar-farm application in to council
Monday 18 January 2021
A solar farm is being targeted for some 240 acres of farmland at Layer de la Haye. The company Low Carbon has applied to Colchester Borough Council for permission to develop the site, behind Waterworks Close and either side of Birch Road on the edge of the village. It would appear to have substantial experience […] Read more >
CPRE joins coalition in calling for a better planning vision
Friday 15 January 2021
The government should rethink substantial elements of its controversial planning proposals and work with stakeholders to deliver a planning system that puts people, climate and nature at its heart. The call comes from CPRE, the countryside charity, as part of a broad coalition of 18 environmental, housing, planning, transport, heritage and public-health organisations that have […] Read more >
Be a star… join this year’s Star Count
Thursday 14 January 2021
This year’s Star Count is being held next month. From Saturday, February 6, to Sunday, February 14, CPRE, the countryside charity, is asking citizen scientists – that’s all of us! – to choose a clear night, look to the skies and see how many stars we can spot within Orion. If you don’t know where […] Read more >
Stansted expansion: public inquiry gets under way
Tuesday 12 January 2021
The public inquiry into a bid to increase passenger numbers at Stansted Airport began online today (Tuesday, January 12, 2021). It is being held after site-owner Manchester Airports Group appealed against Uttlesford District Council’s refusal to allow numbers to rise to 43 million passengers a year from the current limit of 35 million. MAG will […] Read more >