Your latest update from KAUS; 13th September 2026; updated version
Over the Summer, the KAUS management committee have been busy considering the next steps in fighting against the proposals for Kings Dene to form part of Braintree District Council's local plan, whilst also maintaining focus on the separate planning application for the 600 home Monks Farm development. Further details on actions for you to take on each of these is included in this newsletter.
Following on from engaging a consultancy company to commission a traffic report, we have obtained other quotes and will be meeting next week with a Planning Consultant. With around £16,000 in our bank account, we are in a position to engage consultancy services; however, this is costly and as work progresses through the various stages of the planning process we will need to fundraise further, as we continue to rely on the generosity and support from local residents and businesses to fight against the overdevelopment of our villages.
KAUS are limited on resources and the documentation to go through is vast and detailed. Consultants have expertise in their field and can communicate in a way that planners and local authorities can understand and respect. A professional planner or consultant can therefore help add weight and gravitas to a campaign.
Showing that a community is ready and able to raise funds for this type of professional involvement demonstrates to to the local planning authority that we believe serious issues are being ignored. Furthermore, professional planners and consultants can help differentiate and isolate the emotional aspect of objections, identifying the key points to raise within the relevant legal framework in a concise way.
We've got some great community fundraising events in mind! If you can spare some time and would like to join a KAUS fundraising working group, please get in touch. |
Update on the Local Plan Sub-Committtee meeting on 30th July
There was good attendance from members of the public at the Local Plan Sub-Committee meeting on 30th July at the Council's offices. The meeting can be viewed online here:- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wjfuzCPTfYo
Paul Thorogood and other members of the KAUS Management Committee asked questions and spoke of their concerns about the Kings Dene proposals. Members of the public can register to speak at these meetings but are only permitted to do so for 3 minutes.
Councillor James Abbott raised concerns about revised maps being presented at the meeting, showing that the Kings Dene site has been made larger and yet, members of the committee were being given inadequate time and opportunity to meet with planning officers to discuss the changes. The response was that the timeframe is necessarily tight due to pressures from government; it remains that the Local Plan Sub-Committee will only meet once more before the full council meeting, some 7 weeks after their last meeting. Following the meeting, Councillor Abbott posted an update for the public; you can read this below.
"At the Braintree District Council Local Plan Committee (LPC) meeting last week, the more than 2,000 representations to the Regulation 18 public consultation (held in the spring) on the draft Local Plan were considered. Except they were not really considered, they were "noted", with no changes proposed to sites despite all the work put in by residents to make comments. Over 1,000 of those representations related to the Kings Dene new town of 5,600 houses and industrial parks proposed between Kelvedon and Rivenhall. The presentation to councillors at the LPC meeting last week did not mention, but the agenda did, that Kings Dene has actually been made larger since the maps for the site came to LPC in January. On the maps below the pink shaded map without the hatching is from January and the one with hatching is now. It can be seen that Kings Dene is now proposed to include land jumping the A12 to the south, between Rivenhall End and the Fire HQ and also crossing the valley of Rivenhall Brook, to come right up to Oak Road in Rivenhall. The green shaded area is a Green Buffer - which we asked for at the LPC meetings, to prevent Rivenhall from being joined up to Kings Dene. But even part of that is now proposed to be included in Kings Dene new town. UPDATE : Councillors have now been sent more detailed maps which show that the additional areas in Rivenhall parish have been included to build roads - see map. These would give traffic access directly to Oak Road and to Braxted Road/Henry Dixon Road and notably directly from the proposed industrial parks at Kings Dene (dark shaded areas on map). There are a number of other sites across the district in the proposed new Local Plan which we are now told have been changed - and we have been "told" that new sites will be added to the draft Plan. But these new sites have not been agreed by the LPC as all the other sites were, and it looks like the final decision to send the Plan to the next stage (Regulation 19), to be made in mid-September, will allow little or no opportunity to consider these changed and additional sites in the same way that all the other sites were considered. As a member of the LPC, I have asked that the committee meets in August - currently there is a gap of 7 weeks with no meetings - in order to properly assess these further site changes and to give residents the opportunity to have their say." |
KAUS Chairman Paul Thorogood recently invited all Braintree District Councillors to meet at the junction of Station Road and Kelvedon High Street on Friday, to see the traffic congestion for themselves BEFORE they are all asked to vote on including Kings Dene in the draft Local Plan before it goes out to public consultation. Local people also know and understand the negative impact the proposed 600 home Monks Farm development would have on the traffic in this area; this is a live application that seems to be moving towards a decision, with updated documentation from the applicant.
Cllrs James Abbott, Bob Wright and Milli Finch live locally and already know Kelvedon very well. Out of the other 45 councillors, 10 replied with nine saying they couldn’t make 3.30pm on the Friday but they either knew Kelvedon well, would visit in their own time, or were working or on holiday. Many did not respond at all. Only one, Cllr Michael Staines, agreed to attend. Thank you to all members of the public who came along. |
The next Local Plan Sub-Committee meeting will take place on Thursday 17th September at 6.30pm. Members of the public can attend this meeting, registering in advance if they wish to ask a question or make a statement. More details on how to do so and a copy of the agenda can be viewed by clicking on the button below.
Contact KAUS if you need any assistance. |
📔Monks Farm, Kings Dene and the Local Plan; key dates 📆 In the coming month, it is absolutely vital that as many people as possible take action to let Braintree District Council know the strength of feeling and opposition to their intention to lump a massive 5,000 home development in Kelvedon and separately, a 600 home development known as Monks Farm which is a live application.
KAUS will post again with more information when it is time to engage with the Regulation 19 stage of the Local Plan consultation process (likely to launch early October), but for now, here’s some key dates for you to note:- ________________________
⏱️ DEADLINE BY 3rd OCTOBER 2026
❓ Outline planning application has been submitted for Monks Farm, Kelvedon - up to 600 dwellings
What can you do? If you have previously objected to this proposal your comments will still stand. However, you have until this deadline to submit any additional objections. Read on for further details on how to object in the next section.
_____________________________________
⏰ When: 17th September, 6.30pm
❓ What: Braintree District Council’s Local Plan Sub-Committee are due to meet to discuss the proposed plans, including the 5,600 home Kings Dene development ahead of the full Council meeting. Planning Officers will provide any updates at the meeting.
🗺️ Where: Braintree District Council Offices, Causeway House, Bocking End, Braintree, Essex, CM7 9HB
What can you do? Attend the meeting in person if you can. You can also submit a request to ask a question or make a statement at the meeting; you need to register this with BDC in advance once the meeting agenda has been published (5 working days prior, so 10th September). To register to ask a question or make a statement, complete BDC's online form by clicking on the link here https://www.braintree.gov.uk/xfp/form/520
KAUS may be able to assist with car sharing if required and can also help provide further details on how to register to ask a question or make a statement. ____________
⏰ When: 21st September, 7.15pm
❓ What: Full Council meeting. All Councillors are due to meet on this date and vote whether or not in favour to progress the draft Local Plan to the next stage of proceedings, namely Regulation 19 consultation.
🗺️ Where: Braintree District Council Offices, Causeway House, Bocking End, Braintree, Essex, CM7 9HB
What can you do? Attend the meeting in person if you can. You can also submit a request to ask a question or make a statement at the meeting; you need to register this with BDC in advance once the meeting agenda has been published - the deadline for this is by midday on Tuesday 14th September.
KAUS may be able to assist with car sharing if required - reply to this email if you need any help. _________
⏰ When: 15th October, 7.30pm (note rescheduled date, originally due to take place on 8th)
❓ What: Kelvedon Against Urban Sprawl will be holding a community information meeting regarding the draft local plan including Kings Dene, and the proposed 600 home Monks Farm development. Committee members will be available to update the community on the latest developments and we will discuss next steps to take. Please tell as many people about the meeting as possible; we will be publicising this but our time and resources are limited so please do help us spread the word. 🗺️ Where: Kelvedon United Reformed Church, High St, Kelvedon
Come along for the meeting; KAUS will update the community on the latest developments and we will discuss next steps to take. Please tell as many people about the meeting as possible; we will be publicising this but our time and resources are limited so please do help us spread the word. |
ACTION REQUIRED - DEADLINE BY 3RD OCTOBER: MONKS FARM – 21/03579/OUT: RESIDENTS CAN OBJECT TO THE LATEST CHANGES
Braintree District Council is consulting again on the application for up to 600 homes at Monks Farm, south-west of Coggeshall Road, Kelvedon, following changes to the application and the submission of additional/revised information.
The latest description includes up to 75 sheltered housing units, early years/childcare provision, open space, infrastructure, drainage and a foot/cycle route towards Coggeshall.
Importantly, previous objections still count, but residents can now submit additional comments about the revised proposals.
Below is a suggested template. You do not have to use every point. Pick and mix the points you agree with, change the wording and, ideally, add your own personal experience. Individual objections written in residents’ own words are particularly useful.
Either comment or object at or send your comment to planning.comments@braintree.gov.uk with the planning application number 21/03579/OUT
⸻
Planning application: 21/03579/OUT – Land south-west of Coggeshall Road, Kelvedon
I wish to maintain my objection to this application and object to the revised proposals/additional information for the following reasons:
HIGHWAYS AND TRAFFIC I remain concerned that adding up to 600 homes in this location would place substantial additional pressure on an already constrained local road network. Kelvedon High Street, Station Road, Feering Hill and Coggeshall Road already experience congestion and delays, particularly at peak periods. I do not believe sufficient evidence has been provided to demonstrate that the cumulative impact of this development, together with other planned development including Kings Dene, can be accommodated safely and satisfactorily. I am particularly concerned that Essex Highways has changed its position on the application. I would like the Council to explain clearly what new evidence, traffic surveys or modelling justify this change.
REMOVAL OF THE PROPOSED PRIMARY SCHOOL Earlier proposals included provision for a primary school. The latest description instead refers to early years and childcare provision. I am concerned about where the primary-school-aged children generated by up to 600 new homes will attend school. If children have to travel outside the development, this could create additional school-run traffic at precisely the times when the local road network is already at its busiest. The Council should demonstrate that sufficient school capacity exists and that these additional journeys have been properly included in the latest transport assessment.
WATER SUPPLY I am concerned about whether the local water supply network has sufficient capacity for another 600 homes. Recent experience locally has demonstrated problems with water pressure and infrastructure capacity. Before granting permission, the Council should require clear and up-to-date evidence from the water company that adequate supply can be provided without reducing pressure or reliability for existing residents. The assessment should consider the cumulative demand from Monks Farm alongside Kings Dene, other proposed housing development and other major water users in the area.
SEWERAGE AND WASTEWATER I am also concerned about the ability of existing sewerage and wastewater infrastructure to accommodate another major housing development. Permission should not be granted unless there is clear evidence that sufficient wastewater treatment and sewer capacity will be available before homes are occupied. Existing residents should not be expected to suffer increased risk of sewer problems, pollution or infrastructure failure as a consequence of development.
CUMULATIVE DEVELOPMENT Monks Farm cannot be considered in isolation. The Council should assess the combined impact of the 600 homes proposed here together with Kings Dene and other proposed or committed development affecting Kelvedon, Feering and Coggeshall. This should include cumulative impacts on roads, schools, GP and healthcare capacity, water, sewerage, public transport and other local services.
UNSUSTAINABLE LOCATION / CAR DEPENDENCY I remain concerned that this is a predominantly car-dependent location. A footpath or cycle route does not remove the need for residents to travel to work, schools, shops, healthcare and other facilities. Public transport alternatives are limited, and the proposals risk generating substantial additional private car journeys through Kelvedon, Feering and Coggeshall.
IMPACT ON COGGESHALL The effect of this development is not confined to Kelvedon. Additional traffic travelling towards Coggeshall would affect Coggeshall Road and the historic road network through Coggeshall, where there is limited scope to accommodate significantly increased traffic. The cumulative impact on Coggeshall should therefore be fully assessed.
CONSTRUCTION TRAFFIC A development of this size would involve years of construction activity. I am concerned about HGV movements, mud and debris on roads, noise, disruption and the interaction between construction traffic and other major infrastructure works in the area. A detailed and enforceable construction traffic management plan should be required before any development begins.
INFRASTRUCTURE BEFORE HOUSING If the Council is minded to approve this application, essential highways, education, water, sewerage and public transport infrastructure must be secured and delivered before or alongside the development – not promised after hundreds of homes have already been occupied.
CONCLUSION For these reasons, I do not believe the revised information overcomes the fundamental concerns about the sustainability of this location and the pressure that up to 600 additional homes would place on existing communities and infrastructure. I therefore ask Braintree District Council to refuse planning application 21/03579/OUT unless and until these issues have been satisfactorily addressed. ⸻ Please personalise your objection. You can use just two or three of these points if those are the issues that concern you most. You do not need to copy the whole template.
It is particularly helpful to add your own experience – for example: • regular congestion you experience on Station Road or Kelvedon High Street • problems getting GP or school places • low water pressure • difficulties using local buses • traffic through Coggeshall • concerns about walking or cycling safely The Council has confirmed that representations already made will still be considered, but residents can submit further comments following the latest changes to the application. |
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 to Monks Farm.
|
Save the date! Folllowing the success of our last sell-out quiz, KAUS are pleased to announce that Steve Pickles will be organising another quiz on 13th November! We'll share more details soon. |
VOLUNTEERS REQUIRED! Please join KAUS with fighting against inappropriate development in our villages - no matter what your skillset, you can help! We would like to set up a number of working groups, such as fundraising, collating and organising evidence etc so if you feel you can spare some time, please get in touch by replying to this email. |
BANNERS & POSTERS UPDATE "NO TO KINGS DENE - 5000 HOUSES"
If you are kindly displaying one of our A4 posters along the High Street or a high footfall area and it's looking a bit faded, please email us and we can arrange for a smart new replacement to be delivered to you! Email us as info@kaus.org.uk |
EVIDENCE GATHERING - HOW YOU CAN HELP
|
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. Search on the Go Fund Me website for KAUS or to donate via bank transfer, use the details shown here. Alternatively, please email us if you would like to discuss directly. |
Thanks for your ongoing support. Please feel free to share our website, subscribe to our mailing list and join our Facebook group and please do also 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. |
Comments