Matthew Critchell

6 days ago | essexlive.news | Matthew Critchell

Concerns have been raised about the risk of speeding cars near schools in Colchester, with one local opposition councillor calling for swift action to tackle the issue. Dennis Willetts, Tory councillor for Lexden and Braiswick, also raised concerns about a lack of action on introducing 20mph speed limit zones. It comes after Colchester Council agreed to speak to Essex County Council about the new speed limit across large parts of the city.

6 days ago | essexlive.news | Matthew Critchell

Fears have been raised that a plan to build 100 new homes in an Essex village will increase the risk of fatal accidents on local roads and a historic bridge. Residents in Takeley have raised concerns that new development off Station Road will severely impact the village. The development is planned to have 100 new properties with either two, three, or four bedrooms. About 40 per cent of the homes are to be affordable, and a new nursery is also planned to be built as part of the development.

1 week ago | essexlive.news | Matthew Critchell

Plans that have being called council “destruction” are not being explained or outlined to residents, a former Essex MP insists. Key documents which are paid for by the tax payer are also being kept under wraps and classed as “confidential” - according to Sir Bob Russell, former Lib Dem MP for Colchester. Sir Bob, who was MP for the city from 1997 to 2015, told Colchester Council’s cabinet meeting on April 9, the authority has a “blank cheque” for major shake up plans of the council.

1 week ago | essexlive.news | Matthew Critchell

A local councillor's planning application to build four homes on farmland near a small Essex village. Uttlesford Council blocked the proposal at The Croft in Smiths Green Lane, Takeley, after concerns were raised about the impact on the surrounding area, merging towns, and the listed buildings nearby.

1 week ago | essexlive.news | Matthew Critchell

An “unauthorised” holiday accomodation that is listed on Airbnb has been ordered to shut down, after operating for around five years. The hotel-type business at Reddings Farm in Reddings Lane, Tillingham, has around four staff and can sleep at least 16 people. The building is Grade II listed and has been open to customers without permission after plans were agreed upon for it to be used as seasonal worker accommodation a decade ago.