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An Elsenham Parish Council Planning Committee meeting was unable to proceed on Wednesday, 17 June, after too few councillors were present to form a quorum.

The meeting, which was due to begin at 7 pm at Old Frank’s, received apologies from Councillors P Davis and S Waite. With insufficient members in attendance to make formal decisions, the meeting was closed five minutes later.

Although no official business could take place, councillors who were present remained to hear concerns raised by a member of the public representing residents of the Bloor development. The discussion centred on an informal pedestrian link between the development and Hailes Wood that residents have used for some time.

According to the meeting notes, Planning Committee Chair Dr G Mott outlined the development’s history and explained that the fields had previously been accessible. The notes state that the question of a footpath was raised with Bloor during the planning process because no public right of way existed. The Parish Council had not objected to residents using the informal shortcut.

The notes also record that Councillor Woodward suggested that residents could apply for a Public Right of Way Modification Order if they can provide evidence that the route has been used for a number of years. Evidence of continuous public use is normally required when such applications are considered.

Residents also raised concerns about the existing public right-of-way, which they said can become narrow, muddy, and overgrown. Those present suggested contacting Essex Highways to seek improvements to its condition.

The resident was further advised to contact Bloor and gather any available evidence if the development’s marketing material indicated that a pedestrian link would be provided. The meeting notes do not state whether such evidence currently exists.

As the meeting was not quorate, no formal resolutions or planning decisions were made. The future of the informal route between the Bloor development and Hailes Wood will depend on any action taken by residents and the relevant authorities.

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