Time for Action; how do you feel about housing proposals that would QUADRUPLE the existing size of Kelvedon & Feering? An update from KAUS and how you can help... KAUS Fundraising; an update

Time for Action; how do you feel about housing proposals that would QUADRUPLE the existing size of Kelvedon & Feering?

An update from KAUS and how you can help... 

KAUS Fundraising; an update

The support received so far for our fundraising efforts has been amazing, with our Silent Auction raising almost £5,000! Thank you to all the local businesses and supporters who donated a prize and to everyone who bid for something!

We would also like to sincerely thank everyone who has made a donation via Go Fund Me or by bank transfer so far.

Fighting as a community against inappropriate development is expensive but the sense of community spirit already shown is starting to help us make some great progress. We've got some more exciting events planned, so read on for more information on these and the one most important action you need to take before Friday 17th April. 

YOUR IMPORTANT ACTION: Comment on the draft local plan proposals for Kings Dene and Monks Farm proposed developments for Kelvedon - deadline of 17th April 2026.

KAUS are determined and committed to ensuring all residents' are empowered to voice their concerns, and now is a critical stage where the council asks for the public's views on the proposals before the plan is altered/finalised accordingly. The deadline for public comments for Regulation 18 of Braintree District Council's Local Plan is

5pm on Friday 17th April 2026.

How to object or comment:

The majority of residents we've heard from have told us they found emailing their comments to be easiest, but there are a number of ways you can tell Braintree District Council what you think, and all formats are valid.

EMAIL: planningpolicy@braintree.gov.uk - state 'Regulation 18 Local Plan Review' as your subject and end your email with your name and address with postcode.

POST: Paper forms are available from BDC's offices, a public library or online to print at www.braintree.gov.uk/LocalPlanReview

ONLINE: You will need to register on BDC's portal first. Plan and write your objection off the portal first as it may 'time out' after 30 minutes. www.braintree.gov.uk/ConsultLP

Strong points for including in your objection(s)

1. SEVERE TRAFFIC CONGESTION: The A12 junction at Kelvedon South already experiences regular peak-time queues, while High Street, London Road and Feering Hill are frequently congested. Access to Kelvedon Station is restricted by narrow roads and limited capacity. The previously proposed A12 widening and new A120 route - key infrastructure intended to support developments such as Kings Dene and Monks Farm - have now been cancelled. Without these upgrades, the network remains constrained. Up to 5,600 homes could generate around 32,000 additional vehicle journeys daily, worsening delays already experienced by residents.

2. LACK OF INFRASTRUCTURE: There is no clear, funded or guaranteed plan showing that essential infrastructure will be delivered before housing. This includes new schools, expanded GP and healthcare services, road upgrades, improved public transport and additional sewage capacity. Across the country, large housing developments are often built years before the necessary infrastructure arrives, leaving existing residents dealing with overstretched services.

3. IMPACT ON RURAL CHARACTER, MERGING OF VILLAGES, LOSS OF GREEN SPACE: The proposed developments at Kings Dene and Monks Farm would significantly reduce the countryside gap between Kelvedon, Feering, Coggeshall, Rivenhall and Silver End. This risks merging distinct historic villages into a single urban sprawl.

The fields surrounding these areas are regularly used by residents for walking, running and enjoying the countryside, contributing to both physical and mental wellbeing.

4. PRESSURE ON DRAINAGE, SEWAGE, WATER SUPPLY AND FLOOD RISK: Local drainage and sewage systems already struggle during periods of heavy rainfall. Residents frequently report surface water flooding, sewer capacity problems and agricultural run-off from surrounding fields. There have also been concerns about sewage

entering local waterways. A development of 5,600 homes would place substantial additional strain on infrastructure.

5. UNSUSTAINABLE LOCATION: Kelvedon is a village not a town. It lacks a town-scale road network, hospital facilities, large employment centres and significant public transport capacity beyond the railway line. Development on this scale is more appropriate for locations that already have the infrastructure to support large population growth.

6. AIR POLLUTION: Additional traffic will increase air pollution levels along already busy roads. Sensitive locations nearby include a day nursery on the High Street and a primary school. Residents regularly use these fields for walking, running and enjoying countryside, supporting physical and mental wellbeing.

7. WILDLIFE: The surrounding countryside supports a wide range of wildlife. Walkers and cyclists regularly observe species such as bats, dormice, water voles, otters, badgers, hares, skylarks, yellowhammers and birds of prey including barn owls, red kites, falcons and kestrels. Large-scale development risks damaging these important habitats.

Short on time, don't know where to start or thought of something new you want to object to? KAUS have set up a dedicated app utilising AI to help you with your objection.

1. Simply click on the purple button below or use the QR code underneath and you'll be redirected.

2. Add a few words about what you'd like your objection points (eg. traffic congestion, pollution, strain on school places, overcrowded trains, loss of green space for walking my dog) and you'll be presented with more detailed wording based around your concerns.

3.   Have a read through and then you can then just copy the text onto your email or however you decide to send your objection to BDC. Easy!

CLICK HERE TO TRY THE KINGS DENE OBJECTION GENERATOR TOOL

KAUS will also be holding an in-person 'drop-in' session locally to support residents with commenting to BDC - read on for further details.

We know the strength of feeling among residents; banners, posters and turnout at BDC's local 'events' demonstrate our community spirit - now is the time to speak out to protect what matters to you

NOTE THAT...

You can register each of your objection points separately

Objections can be raised by each individual within your household

Dates for your diary: forthcoming KAUS community events - all welcome!

 🎵 Friday 10th April, from 7.30pm - KAUS fundraising Music Quiz at Kelvedon Labour Club

💡Saturday 11th April, from 10am to midday - In-person drop-by objection support with KAUS at Kelvedon United Reformed Church (we will also be inviting BDC's Local Plan sub-committee to attend)

🌷Sunday 29th March and 12th April - KAUS public walk of footpaths around the fields that would be lost to Kings Dene - all the family welcome! Meet at Rolley Bridge, end of New Road, Kelvedon at 10am. Shorter (1 hour) and longer route (2 hour) options available.

🚸 Saturday 18th April - National Day of Action; KAUS join forces with over 100 groups nationwide to campaign to government to save nature and green space

Look out for further information on these events coming soon!

KAUS Management Committee update

•  Leaflets have been distributed to all residents of Kelvedon & Feering, as well as several streets in Coggeshall - a huge thank you to the crew of over 50 volunteers who helped get these delivered so quickly! This will really help ensure all residents have enough time to raise their objections about Monks Farm and Kings Dene with BDC. Our community is amazing!

• We have commissioned the services of a professional traffic consultant and they have now completed their report on the Monk's Farm proposal for 600 homes. This can be viewed on BDC's portal. This report also forms the starting point for the traffic consultant to extend reporting on the separate proposal of the 5,000 home Kings Dene development, with work on this now underway.

Bank transfer details:

Kelvedon Against Urban Sprawl

Sort Code: 30-98-97

Account: 43242763.

The KAUS Management Committee is staffed entirely by local residents on a voluntary basis. Fighting inappropriate development proposals for our villages is costly and entirely dependent on donations.

If you can afford to make a contribution of any amount, please consider doing so. Click on the Go Fund Me image or to donate via bank transfer, use the details shown here.  

Thanks for your ongoing support. Please feel free to share this email, whether to encourage others to check out our events and campaigning, understand how they can raise their objections and/or sign up to receive our updates in future.