Essex County Council has issued a public path diversion order for Bridleway 183 in Brentwood and confirmed several short-term road closures across the borough in August 2026, affecting Kelvedon Hatch, Stondon Massey, Ingatestone, Doddinghurst, Shenfield and Brentwood town. The notice was published on the Public Notice Portal and in the Brentwood Gazette on July 22, 2026.
Key Changes at a Glance
- Bridleway 183 Brentwood: diversion near Codham Hall and the Southend Arterial Road, order made on June 3, 2026
- Church Road, Kelvedon Hatch: one-day closure on August 20, 2026 for Openreach works; order in force from July 29, 2026
- Mill Lane, Stondon Massey: three-day closure from August 19, 2026 for Affinity Water mains repairs; order in force from July 29, 2026
- Pine Drive, Ingatestone: closure up to five days from August 17, 2026 for Cadent Gas; order in force from July 29, 2026
- Wyatts Green Road, Doddinghurst: one-day closure on August 17, 2026 for Openreach cabling; order in force from July 29, 2026
- Alexander Lane and Oliver Road, Shenfield: closures from August 3, 2026 for up to 26 days for new electricity connections; order in force from July 15, 2026
- Fryerning Lane, Ingatestone: closure up to three days from August 3, 2026 for bollard installation; order in force from July 15, 2026
- Little Highwood Way, Brentwood: one-day closure on August 3, 2026 for Thames Water cover replacement; no signed diversion
Bridleway 183 Brentwood Diversion
Under section 119 of the Highways Act 1980, the order diverts a part of Bridleway 183 from a line that runs northwest through a storage compound north of the Southend Arterial Road and south west of Codham Hall, to a new line that runs outside the compound fencing, west south-west to the eastern edge of Codham Hall Wood, then north alongside the wood to rejoin the unaffected bridleway. An order map is available on request from Essex Highways. Viewing can be arranged by emailing publicpathorders@essexhighways.org or by appointment at County Hall, Market Road, Chelmsford CM1 1QH, Monday to Friday, 8.30am to 4.30pm.
Road Closures and Diversion Routes
- Church Road, Kelvedon Hatch: closed for approximately 535m; alternative route via Church Road, Ongar Road, Kelvedon Hall Lane, Kelvedon Hall Road (Openreach)
- Mill Lane, Stondon Massey: closed for approximately 45m from Ongar Road; alternative route via Mill Lane, The Street, Chelmsford Road, High Ongar Road Straightening, High Ongar Road, Four Wantz Roundabout, High Street, Coopers Hill, Brentwood Road, Stondon Road (Affinity Water)
- Pine Drive, Ingatestone: closed for approximately 50m near Pine Close; alternative route via High Street, Park Drive, Pine Close, with access only into Pine Drive (Cadent Gas)
- Wyatts Green Road, Doddinghurst: closed for approximately 215m from Thoby Lane; alternative route via Mountnessing Road, Ingatestone Road, The Green, Nine Ashes Road, Ongar Road, Tipps Cross Lane, Hook End Lane, Hook End Road, Mill Lane, Wyatts Green Road (Openreach)
- Alexander Lane and Oliver Road, Shenfield: closures near the junction; alternative route via Rayleigh Road, Hutton Road, Chelmsford Road, with access only into Alexander Lane and Oliver Road (Advanced Electricity Networks Limited)
- Fryerning Lane, Ingatestone: closed between High Street and Haslers Court; alternative route via Pemberton Avenue, The Furlongs, High Street, with access only into Fryerning Lane (Essex County Council)
- Little Highwood Way, Brentwood: between Henman Way and Cleves Avenue; no alternative route available (Thames Water)
How to Comment or Object
Written representations or objections to the Bridleway 183 order must be sent to Andrew Ritchings, Definitive Map Service, Essex County Council, Seax House, 2nd Floor, Victoria Road South, Chelmsford CM1 1QH no later than August 20, 2026. Please state the grounds. If no objections are received or they are withdrawn, the council may confirm the order. Otherwise, it may be referred to the Secretary of State for consideration.
Your Questions Answered
What is changing on Bridleway 183 Brentwood? A section near Codham Hall will be diverted around the storage compound and along the edge of Codham Hall Wood before rejoining the existing route.
How can I view the order map? Email publicpathorders@essexhighways.org to request a copy or to book an appointment to view at County Hall, Chelmsford, Monday to Friday, 8.30am to 4.30pm.
When do the road closures start and how long will they last? Works begin as early as August 3, 2026. Individual schemes last from 1 day (Little Highwood Way, Wyatts Green Road, Church Road) to up to 26 days (Alexander Lane and Oliver Road) and up to five days (Pine Drive) or three days (Mill Lane, Fryerning Lane).
Who is carrying out the works? Works are scheduled by Openreach, Affinity Water, Cadent Gas, Advanced Electricity Networks Limited, Thames Water and Essex County Council, under permits referenced in the notice.
What are the diversion routes? Signed diversions will be in place where available, using nearby A and local roads as listed above. Little Highwood Way has no alternative route.
Those who have any concerns or believe they may be adversely impacted are encouraged to make timely representations, check signed traffic management on site and allow extra travel time. Scheduled dates may vary subject to permits and on-site signage.
Full details are available via the Public Notice Portal listing and on the Essex Highways public path notices page. The notice also appeared in the Brentwood Gazette.
