COUNCIL ADDRESSES HALL ROAD, BUDGET AND WORKING GROUPS
Image by: Martin Foskett / Knelstrom Media
By Martin Foskett, Reporter
PUBLISHED:
UPDATED:
Elsenham Parish Council met at The Memorial Hall at 7.45 pm on 2 February 2026, where councillors reviewed ongoing highways concerns on Hall Road, received updates from the district level, approved financial payments and agreed changes to several committees.
During the public session, a resident thanked the council for its support regarding water flowing from a spring-fed lake onto Hall Road, but raised concerns about holes forming in the carriageway and felled trees and rubble on adjacent land. Councillors were advised that responsibility for clearing the trees rests with the landowner, whose identity has not yet been confirmed. It was reported that a new pipe is expected to be installed to relieve water flow, subject to confirmed funding, and that a request has been made for Highways to inspect the drains and consider resurfacing while the road is closed.
Residents also questioned faded ‘no parking’ signs at Oziers and the condition of the grassed area at the top of the Green, suggesting the addition of new shrubs or trees. Crime statistics were raised, with councillors noting delays in receiving PCSO newsletters, which are now distributed directly by Uttlesford District Council. An enforcement matter concerning an illegal parking operation on Stansted Road was confirmed as ongoing, with the enforcement team and Stansted Parish Council involved due to the parish boundaries.
Questions were also asked about the proposed housing development, Bloor Phase 3, near Station Road. Councillors confirmed the revised application is for 130 homes, amended from an earlier proposal of 110, with a decision deadline of 9 February.
Reporting as District Councillor, members were told that Uttlesford’s draft budget is under scrutiny and has been reduced by approximately 25 per cent, and that the Local Plan is currently out for approval. The meeting heard that £80,000 in zero-carbon grants has been distributed across the district, including funding for heat pumps and insulation at local council offices, with the funding time-dependent.
The Finance Committee reported that the Co-op Bank account stands at approximately £36,000, in line with budget projections. Interest rates at Unity Trust Bank have reduced to 1.95 per cent, while SWBS accounts remain at 3.6 per cent. Payments approved included staff wages, PCSO contributions, grass cutting, flowerbed contracts, and donations of £500 each to Essex & Herts Air Ambulance and Touchpoint.
Councillors agreed to amend the terms of reference for the Flowerbed and Allotment Committees to alter quorum requirements, and approved changes to the Personnel Committee’s membership and delegated powers. The Clerk confirmed the successful completion of her probation period and that .gov email accounts have been issued to councillors for parish business.
A Traffic and Parking Working Group has been established to investigate issues on Station Road and New Road, with a meeting scheduled for 24 February. A member of the public has been co-opted onto the group.
The next meeting of Elsenham Parish Council will take place on 2 March 2026.