News
Pylons scheme accepted for DCO examination by Planning Inspectorate
Friday 26 September 2025
National Grid’s scheme to place a line of pylons from Norwich to Tilbury has moved a step closer to fruition. The Planning Inspectorate has accepted NG’s application for a Development Consent Order, which takes the East Anglia GREEN project – part of the so-called Great Grid Upgrade – to the pre-examination phase. The National Grid […] Read more >
‘A very concerning time’ for Rochford, says council leader
Thursday 25 September 2025
The leader of Rochford District Council has highlighted the risk to the area from possible intensive housing development. Her message comes in the wake of a range of proposals that include up to 2,000 new homes at Dollymans Farm in Rawreth, 1,000 at Poynters Lane in Great Wakering, 900 in Rayleigh and 300 north of […] Read more >
More than half of brownfield sites could be built on rapidly, report shows
Thursday 25 September 2025
CPRE’s new State of Brownfield research reveals that more than half of brownfield sites had some full or in-principle planning permission in 2024, meaning they could be built on rapidly. The UK’s huge supply of brownfield land should be the first choice for building the homes this country desperately needs. These sites are typically located […] Read more >
Southend council leader’s withdrawal warning over possible new town
Sunday 21 September 2025
A potential new town in south Essex could be scuppered if it is deemed not to meet Southend’s infrastructure needs. The scheme for 10,000 new homes in the Green Belt was put forward in a joint expression of interest to the government’s New Towns Taskforce by Southend-on-Sea City Council, Rochford District Council and landowners. However, […] Read more >
Hopes for almost 2,000 jobs in Burnt Mills Road development
Tuesday 16 September 2025
Basildon planners have approved a substantial development that it is claimed will create almost 2,000 jobs. The hybrid planning application for land east of Burnt Mills Road found favour with the borough council’s planning committee on Wednesday (September 10). The scheme entails up to 122,237 square metres of employment floorspace and will cover some 115 […] Read more >
Wastewater: HBF report highlights its role in blocking housing delivery
Tuesday 16 September 2025
Given the ceaseless onslaught of development in Essex, it might surprise you but there are issues regarding housing delivery in our county – indeed across the country – and one of the issues is poor wastewater infrastructure. The Home Builders Federation has released a report that examines the issue and should be of interest to […] Read more >
Pretty as a picture in Finchingfield
Thursday 4 September 2025
There’s no letting up in the pace from veteran photographer Gordon Ridgewell… in any sense. He tells us: “Today I went to Finchingfield for lunch with a young lady – well, young to me – and I captured this picture.” Go Gordon, go! Read more >
There’s a storm coming…
Friday 29 August 2025
With the seasons changing at a rate of knots, there is no one better suited to keep an eye on things than photographic ace Gordon Ridgewell. “At last we have some rain and the sky has been changing,” he tells us. “As the storm went overhead, the sun was setting in the background. I managed […] Read more >
This year’s AGM is being held in Dedham on Saturday, October 4
Friday 22 August 2025
Summer is beginning to ease into autumn, meaning one thing: it’s time for the CPRE Essex AGM! This year’s event is being held on the afternoon of Saturday, October 4, at the Assembly Rooms in Dedham. We will be meeting at 2pm for a 2.30pm start. Our guest speaker will be Paul Gallifant, editor of […] Read more >
Tiger, tiger, fluttering bright…
Tuesday 5 August 2025
You might have noticed of late an unusual splash of colour winging its way across an Essex country lane or even in your garden. If you’re wondering what it might be, photographic maestro Gordon Ridgewell can help out… “This moth was in my garden at Littlebury and is expanding its territory. The Jersey tiger is […] Read more >