Essex County Council has issued a series of statutory notices affecting Chelmsford, Brentwood, Basildon and nearby areas, including a minerals planning consultation in Little Waltham, temporary speed limits, revised parking restrictions and short-term road closures across multiple locations, according to public notices published on Public Notice Portal and in the Essex Chronicle.
Planning Consultation in Little Waltham
Site and proposal: Sheepcotes Farm, Sheepcotes Lane, Little Waltham (CM3 3LU). The applicant, Sewells Reservoir Construction Ltd, seeks to continue development without complying with cessation conditions on an existing consent to extend time for mineral extraction and site restoration (ref: ESS/52/26/CHL).
Have your say: Consultation is open until 6 August 2026. Representations can be made via the council's planning portal, by email to the minerals and waste team, or in writing to County Planning, Chelmsford. Names and full postal addresses should be included. Submissions may be made public.
Brentwood Parking Changes (Warley Hill)
Location: Warley Hill (west side) near the boundary of 67 Warley Hook. Effect: The existing limited waiting (Mon-Sat 9am-6pm, two hours, no return within four hours) will be revoked and the no waiting at any time restriction extended by approximately 5 metres.
Start date: July 22, 2026. The order will be incorporated into the 2019 consolidation order for Brentwood. Those wishing to challenge the validity of the order may apply to the High Court within six weeks of the making of the order. Documents: Hard copies can be viewed by appointment at County Hall, Market Road, Chelmsford, typically 8.30am to 5.30pm Monday to Thursday and 8.30am-5pm Friday, or posted on request.
Short-Term Road Closures (Chelmsford District)
- East Hanningfield Road, Sandon: From near Alexander Mews for about 20m. Scheduled from August 10, 2026 for three days (UK Power Networks). Signed diversion in place. Order effective from July 23, 2026 for up to 18 months.
- Main Road, Great Leighs: Near Aragon Road for about 85m. From August 10, 2026 for five days (Gas Transportation Company). Signed diversion in place. Order effective from July 23, 2026 for up to 18 months.
- Sporhams Lane, Danbury/Sandon: From Fitzwalter Lane for about 1.19km. From August 10, 2026 for 19 days (surface water alleviation by Essex County Council). Signed diversion in place. Order effective from July 23, 2026 for up to 18 months.
Programme Closures and Clearways (Chelmsford and Epping Forest)
Window: Within 18 months from July 23, 2026, with phased works and advance signage. Locations (Schedule V7): Skreens Park Road, Roxwell (Shellow Road to Boyton Cross Lane, approximately 2.6km) and Shellow Road, Willingale/Ongar (Skreens Road to Beech Road, approximately 2.2km). Diversions via The Street, Vicarage Road, A1060, B184, School Lane, Birds Green and Dukes Lane.
Programme Closures and Clearways (Basildon)
Window: Within 18 months from July 23, 2026. Locations: A130 New Bypass, Bowers Gifford (northbound) from the A1245 slip to Rayleigh Spur roundabout; A13 underpass/Canvey Way, Bowers Gifford (northbound) from the A13 slip to Rayleigh Spur roundabout. Diversions via the A1245, A127, A129 and A13 as signed.
Additional Local Works
- Anchor Reach, South Woodham Ferrers: Near Quarter Gate for about 25m. From July 29, 2026 for 7 days (Openreach). No diversion available. Order in effect from July 9, 2026.
- Boreham Road, Great Leighs: Near Fullers Street for about 60m. On July 31, 2026 for one day (UK Power Networks). Diversion via Boreham Road, Drakes Lane, Domsey Lane, Wheelers Hill and A131. Order in effect from July 9, 2026.
- Hill Road, Chelmsford: From Springfield Park Road for about 50m. From July 27, 2026 for 15 days (Cadent Gas). Diversion via Hill Road, Byron Road and Springfield Park Road. Order in effect from July 9, 2026.
- Runwell Road, Runwell: Near St Lukes Way for about 75m. From July 27, 2026 for five days (Essex and Suffolk Water). No diversion available. Order in effect from July 9, 2026.
Questions Answered
How can I view the full details? You can view the notices on Public Notice Portal and the council's website, or request hard copies from County Hall by appointment.
How do I comment on the Little Waltham minerals application? Submit comments via the planning portal, by email to the minerals and waste team, or in writing to County Planning, quoting ESS/52/26/CHL, by August 6, 2026.
Will emergency access be maintained during closures? Yes. The notices state emergency access will be maintained and diversions will be signposted where applicable.
Where will I see diversion information? Advance warning signs will be placed on site and diversion routes will be signed at each location.
Those who have any concerns or believe they may be adversely impacted are encouraged to submit representations in good time, referencing the relevant order or planning reference. These statutory notices were published in the Essex Chronicle under the print title Essex - Multiple Traffic Notices on July 16, 2026 and on Public Notice Portal.
