Chelmsford City Council has received a series of planning applications affecting listed buildings and conservation areas across Chelmsford and surrounding villages, according to a public notice. The applications range from small-scale alterations to a major outline housing development.
Key Applications Lodged
Among the notable proposals is a single-storey rear extension and loft conversion with three front roof lights at 4 Ottley Place, Main Road, Margaretting (ref 26/00912/FUL). In Great Baddow, a change of use of four garages and workshops to offices is proposed at the garages rear of 66 High Street, including new doors, windows, roof lights, solar panels, external insulation and cladding, and a change of roof finish (ref 26/00992/FUL).
At The Byre, Elm Lane, Roxwell, an extension and detached cart lodge are planned (refs 26/00977/FUL and 26/00978/LBC). In central Chelmsford, 206 New London Road sees two applications: one for a rear outbuilding, garage, new front wall, access formation and landscaping (ref 26/00959/FUL), and another for heritage-related internal modifications to the basement, including upgraded finishes, removal of stud walls, a replacement staircase, a pump system, and fenestration alterations (ref 26/00960/LBC).
Heritage and Community Proposals
A defibrillator and bleed kit cabinet is proposed for the external wall of Nationwide, 56–57 High Street, Chelmsford (ref 26/00942/LBC). At New Hall School, The Avenue, Boreham, retention of two Portakabin classrooms for two years is sought (ref 26/00928/FUL).
The largest application is an outline scheme for land east of Horseshoe Farm, Main Road, Bicknacre, proposing up to 99 dwellings, including affordable housing, with public open space, landscaping, a sustainable drainage system, and a vehicular access point. All matters are reserved except for access (ref 26/00896/OUT).
How to View and Comment
Plans and supporting documents can be viewed via Chelmsford City Council’s planning portal or in person at the council offices in Duke Street, Chelmsford, during normal opening hours. Written comments may be submitted online or by post to P.O. Box 7544, Chelmsford, CM1 1JE by Monday September 7 2026. The council states that representations will be available for the public to read and, if an appeal is made, they will be provided to the Secretary of State.
Those who have any concerns or believe they may be adversely impacted are encouraged to review the proposals and submit timely, evidence-based comments quoting the relevant reference numbers.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is being proposed? A range of works in conservation areas and at or near listed buildings, including extensions, a change of use from garages to offices in Great Baddow, heritage-related alterations in central Chelmsford, temporary classrooms at Boreham and an outline housing development in Bicknacre.
Who can comment? Any interested party may make a representation on material planning considerations. Comments should be relevant to planning policy, heritage impact, design and appearance, access and highways, parking, noise and amenity, drainage and SuDS, and environmental matters.
How do I make a representation? Use Chelmsford City Council’s planning portal or write to the address above, stating the site address and application reference. Personal details are typically published alongside representations, in line with the council’s policy. When is the deadline? The stated deadline for comments is Monday September 7 2026.
Where can I read the full notice and documents? See the listing on the Public Notice Portal and Chelmsford City Council’s planning pages, and use the application references provided to locate individual proposals. Why does heritage status matter? Proposals in conservation areas and works affecting listed buildings are assessed against additional national and local heritage policies to ensure that significance is conserved or enhanced.
Impact on Residents and Businesses
The applications include small-scale alterations and extensions as well as a major outline scheme in Bicknacre. Potential effects may include temporary construction activity, changes to local character and townscape, access arrangements, parking, and community infrastructure needs associated with new housing. Any conditions or obligations would be considered by the council as part of the decision-making process.
