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ELSENHAM, ESSEX. Residents’ concerns about the continued operation of the New Farm car park dominated Elsenham Parish Council’s meeting at the Memorial Hall on Monday, 6 July, with councillors outlining the action they say has already been taken while acknowledging frustration over delays in the planning process.

During the public session, several residents raised concerns about the site, describing what they said were ongoing problems, including speeding traffic on Stansted Road, overnight vehicle alarms and the scale of the operation. One resident estimated there were around 1,000 vehicles on the site and questioned why the business was still trading despite enforcement action having been pursued.

According to the draft minutes, residents said they had first contacted enforcement officers in March 2025, then made further reports in February 2026 after new signage was installed. They said they had been told the case was with the Planning Inspectorate and that no further action could currently be taken.

Parish Council Chair Dr Graham Mott said he had not personally noticed an increase in traffic along Stansted Road, although he acknowledged residents’ concerns. Councillors explained that Uttlesford District Council had already issued an enforcement notice but that the business had appealed. They said the appeal was awaiting determination by the Planning Inspectorate, which was experiencing delays because of staffing shortages.

Councillor John Minor told the meeting that while it might appear little was happening, the parish council had remained actively involved in efforts to prevent the business from continuing to operate. Councillors also discussed whether further measures, including a stop notice or prohibition notice, could be explored, although no new decision was taken during the meeting.

The public session also heard concerns from residents in Tye Green about flooding, drainage, road conditions and the management of a large tree near residential properties. Dr Mott explained that quotations had already been obtained for work on the tree and gave an update on the history of flooding around the village pond, which was dredged in 2023. The parish clerk said further information gathered from residents was now being considered before decisions were made on future work.

Another resident reported concerns about rubble being deposited on land near Church Lane, claiming that lorries had damaged the village war memorial and a nearby tree. Councillor Minor said the landowner had consented to the material being deposited and that the vehicles inspected had been operating legally. He added that enquiries would be made with Essex Police regarding the origin and contents of the waste.

Away from the public session, councillors approved a range of financial decisions, including adopting the increased HMRC mileage rate of 55 pence per mile. Payments covering routine council expenditure, insurance, grounds maintenance, street lighting and playground works were also approved.

Planning matters included updates on several applications affecting land near May Walk and the major residential development south of Henham Road. Councillors also received progress reports on the proposed Crocus Drive sports pitch and pavilion, with discussions continuing over a memorandum of understanding with Elsenham Youth Football Club.

The council heard that an application to the Football Foundation for grant funding had been submitted successfully. Councillors also approved the use of the playing field for a Friends of Elsenham School leavers’ event. They agreed to refurbish two village noticeboards while seeking further quotations for replacing a third near the railway station.

At the conclusion of the meeting, councillors accepted a quotation for maintenance work to the Tye Green tree after two independent inspections concluded it was healthy but would benefit from being cut back by up to half. The next meeting of Elsenham Parish Council is scheduled for the Memorial Hall on 3 August.

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