Essex
Essex is where we concentrate. We work with the county’s district, borough and city councils and with its two unitary authorities, Southend-on-Sea and Thurrock.
- Basildon
- Braintree
- Brentwood
- Castle Point
- Chelmsford
- Colchester
- Epping Forest
- Harlow
- Maldon
- Rochford
- Southend-on-Sea
- Tendring
- Thurrock
- Uttlesford
Essex County Council is also involved in planning matters such as highways, education and minerals and waste. Local government in Essex may be reorganised in the coming years, so council names and boundaries may change. We work with whichever authority is responsible for your site.
What shapes planning in Essex
Every site is different, but these themes come up again and again.
- Green BeltLarge parts of south and west Essex, closer to London, lie within the Metropolitan Green Belt, where development faces extra tests. Policy on ‘grey belt’ land has changed what is possible in some places.
- The coast and estuariesThe Essex coast has protected wildlife sites and areas of flood risk. Many developments near the coast need to contribute to the Essex Coast RAMS, a scheme to reduce the effect of extra visitors on protected habitats, and need careful flood risk assessment.
- Villages, heritage and landscapeAcross north and mid Essex, listed buildings, conservation areas and the character of villages weigh heavily in decisions. The Dedham Vale National Landscape on the Essex and Suffolk border is one example of a protected landscape.
- Epping ForestDevelopment near Epping Forest, especially in the Epping Forest and Harlow areas, may need to show that it will not harm the Epping Forest Special Area of Conservation.
- Local Plans at different stagesEach council has its own Local Plan, at a different stage of preparation, which affects what is realistic for a site. We check the current position for each authority.
London
We also work on sites across most of Greater London, including east and north-east London such as Havering, Redbridge, Waltham Forest and Barking and Dagenham.
In London, the London Plan and each borough’s own policies shape what is possible, including small sites policy, Green Belt and Metropolitan Open Land, and heritage.
Not sure whether we cover your site? If it is outside Essex and London, ask anyway. We will tell you honestly whether we can help. Get in touch.