Hi All,
We have seen some significant progress since the last update including,
- The REFUSAL by Maldon District Council of the Romans Farm Planning Application on 8th May 2026. A summary of the reasons given by MDC can be found at the end of this update. You can download the full decision (HERE).
We should now prepare to face an appeal. There are three types of appeal and it is highly likely the applicant might want this considered at a full appeal. Whilst this is the most expensive option, BAND will continue to oppose this planning application and Maldon have stated they will continue to defend the reasons they have given for refusal robustly at future appeals.
The applicant has six months to lodge an appeal from the date of the refusal. By our reckoning, that takes that period to 8th November 2026.
The fundraising campaign should continue in earnest and we will continue to liaise with the barrister we have been working with to be able to deliver the best case we can prepare according to the role we will have.
Whilst this is a cause for celebration it is not the end. The fight must continue and we must stay prepared.
- The Chairperson of BAND met Maldon’s Director of Place, Planning and Growth (Mark Jaggard) and his Principal Policy Officer (Louise Staplehurst).
The Officers welcomed BAND scrutiny of the application and were particularly complementary about the quality of the transport report. One of the key points we came away with was the importance of scrutinising thoroughly any future applications we look at. Also, the importance of good quality independent reports to support our key arguments is helpful.
The officers encouraged future meetings of this type, particularly when future developments warranted discussion.
Summary of reasons given by MDC for the refusal of Romans Farm planning application,
- The application site lies outside the defined settlement boundary for Burnham-on-Crouch… By reason of its scale, location and urbanising effects, including the loss of the existing open agricultural character of the land and the substantial change experienced from Mill Road and Public Footpath 14, the development would cause significant harm to the character and appearance of the area, which is not outweighed by the benefits of the proposal…
- The submitted transport evidence has not satisfactorily demonstrated that the development can be accommodated safely and appropriately on the local highway network, due in particular to the inadequacy of Mill Road for increased traffic, pedestrian and cycle connectivity, the interaction with Public Footpath 14, the Mill Road / Southminster Road junction…
- In the absence of a completed Section 106 Agreement, the proposal fails to secure the planning obligations necessary to make the development acceptable in planning terms…
Thank you again for your support and confidence.