South Hanningfield Parish Council

30/05/2026

At the Annual Parish Meeting last evening the Parish Council were pleased to announce that Grant Funding has been approved for a bus service to Billericay - designated 10A

The proposed Start Date for the service is 29th July 2026 and it is initially funded for 12 months. The future of the service depends on how much it is used so – Use it or lose it

There will be three return services per day, Monday to Friday. An extract from the timetable being proposed is White Horse 09:12, 11:12, 13:12. Return from High St 10:02, 12:02, 14:02

Starting at Wickford Station, the route the bus will take will include Brock Hill, Downham, Ramsden Heath, Heath Road, Mercer Road, Potash Road, Stock Road (Mayflower School & Health Centre), Billericay Station, High Street (Boots), Sun Corner – and return along the same route. The bus will stop at any registered Bus Stops along the route if requested.

As far as fares are concerned, Concessionary Bus Passes are valid on all services and the £3 single fare cap is in place for adults. We have still to clarify fares for children & Under 19’s

The bus will have 16 seats and space for 9 standing passengers as well as wheelchair/pram space. The Bus Company is utilising spare capacity from the bus on 10 Service (Wickford to Basildon Hospital to Wickford)

Full details of the service will be included in a leaflet drop to all households in the CM11 1 Postcode area closer to the start date.

We realise that the new service will be a disappointment for commuters. However, despite all our pleading, this is the best we could get for the money. If, as we hope, the service proves to be popular, the Bus Company may very well make improvements in subsequent years. Let’s wait and see.

27/05/2026

We will be holding our Annual Parish Meeting on Friday 29th May, commencing 8pm in Ramsden Heath Village Hall. This is your opportunity to hear from the Chairman, Councillor Roy Whitehead and the Chairmen of the relevant Working Parties/Committees, advising you on what the Parish Council have achieved over the past year. Our Guest Speaker is Neil Horner, Community Speed Watch Co-ordinator. Please note, this is NOT a Full Council Meeting and we will not be discussing Dowsett Farm. Our next Full Parish Council Meeting will be held on Thursday 25th June 2026 in Downham Village Hall commencing 7.45pm. All are welcome

21/05/2026

07/05/2026

The Parish Council have received this information from the Enforcement Team at Chelmsford City Council. You will see that residents are asked to contact them if necessary.
The Parish Council is not responsible for this information and shares residents’ concerns about this, but we have no powers to deal with it.

Please see the link below:

We have received notification of an intention to use the land as a temporary recreational campsite. This use is permitted development, meaning that it does not require planning permission from the local authority. The permitted development right allows for:

The use of any land as a recreational campsite for not more than 60 days in total in any calendar year; and (b) the provision on such land of -
Not more than 50 pitches;
Any moveable structure reasonably necessary for the purposes of the permitted use.

As this is not an application, should you be contacted, you can say to resident’s that you understand the use is permitted development and doesn’t need planning permission. You can also direct residents to us in the usual way. I have notified the fire and rescue service.

https://www.planningaid.co.uk/hc/en-us/articles/7671745656977-Temporary-recreational-campsites

I have today sent an invitation to the Enforcement Team, requesting someone attends our Parish Council meeting on the 14th May 2026 to answer residents concerns.

Julie Moule
Clerk to the Council

Is it true I can use my land every year for a temporary time for visitors wanting to go camping or glamping? Yes. The Government grants planning permission for temporary uses of land which can be ...

19/04/2026

CHURCH ROAD WATER WORKS

It would appear that the repair is complete with a few cones and barriers protecting the tarmac while it cures. The road is clearly open as long as care is taken around the barriers and cones

The Road Closure and Diversion signage is still in place this evening and we have asked for it all to be removed as soon as possible to save further confusion.

Meanwhile, if anyone can give NIBS an update it will help with the school bus. The driver may still be guided by the signage

SOUTH HANNINGFIELD ROAD WATER & POWER ROADWORKS

Both sets of work have been finished. However there is still some signage relating to the Water works that has not been removed and we have asked for it all to be removed as soon as possible to save further confusion

SCHOOL ROAD, DOWNHAM WATER WORKS

We have complained to Essex & Suffolk Water about the traffic management barriers, signage and lights being left in place over the weekend even though the working area is off the road. There has been much adverse comment raised about it and we have fed that back to them

25/03/2026

REMINDER – ROAD WORKS/CLOSURE – HEATH ROAD

The Parish Council has been notified by Essex Highways that Heath Road will be closed for a time TODAY, THURSDAY 26th MARCH. The closure is required for the safety of the public and workforce while they undertake carriageway patching works on the stretch past Lodge Farm near Ramsden Park School. The notification we have implies that they will reopen the road when they have finished work. We are assuming this work will be undertaken after the school bus run in the morning and before the afternoon run.

In addition, and also TODAY, THURSDAY 26th MARCH, Essex Highways will also be patching the hole outside No 11 Heath Road which they have been applying temporary patches to (at least 4) over the past few months. These works will be protected by temporary traffic lights.

Please do not take your frustration out on the Traffic Management guys, it's not their fault. Remember they have body cams in case things get out of hand.
Access for emergency services and pedestrians will be maintained at all times.

Any problems/comments, please contact Essex Highways direct - 0345 603 7631

16/03/2026

The Parish Council has been trying to get speed limits reduced on the roads around the area but has been held back by an out of date speed strategy imposed by Essex County Council dated 2010.

Essex Police have been pushing for a revision and Essex CC have come up with a new strategy. You have the opportunity to comment by taking part in their consultation on the subject. Please use the link below and tell them what you think.

Find and participate in consultations run by Essex County Council

04/03/2026

A courtesy message to let you know there will be a bonfire at the sports field this morning 🔥🔥🔥

17/02/2026

I have received three phone calls today regarding excessive dog fouling within the Parish. Would you please be reminded to pick up after your dog. Help keep our community clean. Clean it up, bag it and bin it 🙏🏻Thank you