North Thames August Update

Chelgate Local operates in three regions. North Thames covers Essex and Hertfordshire To view our North Thames team and projects, please see our North Thames page. To discuss upcoming projects in the region, please call Michael Hardware, director, on 020 7939 7989 or email.

Hertfordshire

In August 2026, North Herts Planning Control Committee resolved to grant permission for the Little Wymondley application for up to 300 homes (22/00956/OP).

Three Rivers Planning Committee granted an application 25/2168/OUT for outline permission for up to 70 dwellings on land adjacent to Woodlands Cottage, Oxhey Lane, Carpenters Park.

North Herts Planning Control Committee approved planning application 25/02885/OP – Land at Mill Lane, London Road, St Ippolyts, for up to 41 dwellings.

East Herts has upcoming elections for Buntingford and Ware (Christchurch), with nominations closing 27 August 2026. North Herts Council’s vacancies page was updated 18 August 2026 and lists new vacancies at St Ippolyts (South), Weston, and Little Wymondley.

Essex

In August 2026, Epping Forest Planning Committee B approved application EPF/2770/23-  Land East of St Leonards Road, Lower Nazeing, for up to 104 dwellings.

Maldon Planning Committee approved application 25/00381/OUTM – Land North of West Street, Tollesbury, for up to 159 dwellings.

Basildon Planning Committee deferred application 25/01188/OUT – Land South of Woolshots Farm, London Road, Billericay for up to 71 dwellings.

The Clacton parliamentary by-election took place on 13 August and Nigel Farage won the seat for Reform UK. No significant new county level councillor defections were identified during August, although several parish level vacancies were notified.