News
Marking time in Coggeshall
Friday 3 July 2020
The Covid-19 lockdown is, it would appear, easing before presumably coming to an end. It has unquestionably been a difficult time – tragically so for many – but there has been light amid the gloom. In this delightful essay, writer Anne Boileau reflects on what lockdown taught us and is thankful for the good people… […] Read more >
Lower Thames Crossing: rallying call to take part in next phase of consultation
Friday 3 July 2020
The next phase of consultation on the proposed Lower Thames Crossing begins this month. Highways England is launching the four-week consultation on proposed design refinements to the planned road on Tuesday, July 14. It comes after 2018’s statutory consultation in 2018 and the supplementary consultation, which was completed this year. From July 14, we will […] Read more >
Our Lovely Essex: it’s time to draw the feature to a close and remember those we have lost to the pandemic
Thursday 2 July 2020
Back in April, in response to the Covid-19 lockdown, we asked the people of our extraordinary county to send us images and thoughts of what made Essex so special to them. The idea was to dream and share memories of happier times that we knew would ultimately return once that troubled period came to an […] Read more >
‘A once-in-a-generation chance to unleash potential of the countryside’: CPRE launches regeneration manifesto
Wednesday 1 July 2020
The government must invest in the ‘countryside next door’ to ensure we all have access to quality green space near to where we live as we emerge from the coronavirus pandemic, according to CPRE, the countryside charity, as it launches its regeneration manifesto today. Regenerate our countryside, regenerate ourselves: A manifesto for a resilient countryside after […] Read more >
‘The PM’s “new deal” makes a mockery of the government’s so-called green recovery’
Wednesday 1 July 2020
CPRE, the countryside charity, has given a decidedly cool response to the prime minister’s post-coronavirus recovery plan in which he promised to “build, build, build”. Boris Johnson’s announcement of a ‘new deal’, delivered in Dudley yesterday (Tuesday, June 30), pledged £5 billion to build homes and infrastructure and vowed to speed up and intensify plans […] Read more >
Concerned about rural crime? Then this meeting’s for you!
Tuesday 30 June 2020
Members of the rural community can put their questions and concerns about rural crime to a Facebook panel this evening (Tuesday, June 30). The event starts at 7pm and the panel includes Roger Hirst, Police and Crime Commissioner for Essex; Rachel Nolan, Assistant Chief Constable; and Chief Inspector Terry Balding. To join, click here Read more >
Our Lovely Essex: another winning treble from Ken McDonald
Tuesday 30 June 2020
Ken McDonald is another supporter whose photographs have helped make Our Lovely Essex such a success. Here are three more. As ever, thanks Ken! Read more >
Planning and democracy during the Covid-19 pandemic: letter to the county’s planners
Thursday 25 June 2020
Among so many issues we have all had to confront during the Covid-19 lockdown, the manner in which the planning process is conducted has been of particular concern to CPRE Essex. To ensure our local authorities are aware that we are as alert as ever, and hopefully to encourage them to engage in full, open […] Read more >
Our Lovely Essex: a productive stroll with the camera
Thursday 25 June 2020
Ken McDonald took this series of shots “while out recording some new walking routes that will be added to the Hundred Parishes website in due course”. Read more >
A12 widening scheme loses government funding after garden-communities plan crumbles
Wednesday 24 June 2020
The collapse of plans for a cluster of ‘garden communities’ in north Essex has claimed another victim… or success, depending on your viewpoint. Last month’s announcement that a planning inspector had found proposals for large housing developments at West Tey and West of Braintree ‘unsound’ has led to the government withdrawing £272 million previously earmarked […] Read more >