As Westminster's parliamentary session concludes for the year, local MP Alex Burghart has taken stock of a twelve-month period dominated by significant planning and environmental battles within the Brentwood and Ongar constituency.
Major Planning Concerns and Community Campaigns
The Conservative MP highlighted his deep involvement in opposing the Government's Planning and Infrastructure Bill. He argues the proposed legislation risks sidelining local voices on critical issues such as green belt protection, water supply concerns, flood risk, infrastructure capacity, and the use of prime agricultural land for new housing.
One of the most prominent campaigns he is engaged with is the fierce opposition to the current proposals for a massive line of pylons stretching from Norwich to Tilbury. Burghart stated that these structures would "wreck our beautiful countryside," expressing frustration that offshore and underground alternatives are not being prioritised. He vowed to continue fighting the plans "every step of the way."
Local Developments Facing Resident Opposition
Beyond the pylon issue, the MP is actively assisting other communities within his constituency facing large-scale developments. He is working with residents of Tawney Common who have raised concerns about proposals to site a solar farm in the heart of their small community.
Similarly, he is supporting the people of West Horndon, where plans for thousands of new homes around the existing village could fundamentally alter its character, transforming it from a village into a sizeable town.
Business Anxieties and a Festive Note
Mr Burghart also acknowledged the worries of local entrepreneurs, who fear that the Government's imposition of higher taxes and business rates could have a devastating impact, potentially leading to job losses and small business closures.
Despite these serious challenges, the MP struck an optimistic note to end his year-end review. He expressed his looking forward to completing his Christmas shopping in local shops and participating in carol concerts and services across the constituency.
He concluded with a seasonal message to all constituents: "May you have a very happy Christmas and New Year." The update was published in the Brentwood Gazette, which serves areas including Billericay, Brentwood, Hutton, Shenfield, and Wickford in Essex.
